'Every effort made' to free kidnapped aid worker

Every effort was made to safely rescue a kidnapped British aid worker who was killed in Afghanistan during an attempt to free her, military commanders and the UK government said today.

Linda Norgrove, 36, originally from Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, was seized by militants in Kunar province on September 26, alongside three Afghan nationals.

Described as "courageous" and an "inspiration", she was killed by her captors during an operation to rescue her yesterday.

International Security Assistance Force Commander General David Petraeus said: "Afghan and coalition security forces did everything in their power to rescue Linda.

"Linda was a courageous person with a passion to improve the lives of Afghan people, and sadly she lost her life in their service.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."

A former United Nations employee, Ms Norgrove was working for the firm Development Alternatives Inc at the time of her kidnap.

Based in Jalalabad, she supervised reconstruction programmes in the eastern region of Afghanistan funded by the US government.

She was abducted by insurgents as she travelled in a convoy of two vehicles in Kunar province.

Local police chased the kidnappers but lost them after a brief firefight.

The three Afghan nationals were released last week, but Ms Norgrove continued to be held amid growing concern for her life.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said it had been "right to try" to secure Ms Norgrove's release.

"My thoughts are with Linda's family, who will be devastated by this tragic news. She was doing valuable work for the Afghan people," Mr Cameron said in a statement.

"Decisions on operations to free hostages are always difficult.

"But where a British life is in such danger, and where we and our allies can act, I believe it is right to try.

"I pay tribute to the courage and skill of all those involved in this effort, and join the Foreign Secretary in condemning hostage taking."