Father’s relief as freed medics prepare to return to UK

THE father of one of two British doctors kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spoken of his relief as the pair prepared to return home.

Rescuers said Bethan Davies and Robert Jesty emerged terrified and shaking from the bush more than 48 hours after armed men shot their ranger and took them away.

Speaking outside the family’s home in Winchester, Hants, Dr Jesty’s father, Jonathan, said: “We are very pleased and thankful of the outcome and we could not be more relieved, but it is also incredibly sad about the ranger. We extend our sincere sympathies to the family of the ranger so tragically killed in the incident.”

The couple were rescued from the Virunga National Park on Sunday and put in taxis which raced them to the Rwandan border, where they were met by British officials.

One of the drivers said Dr Davies, 29, and Dr Jesty, 28, both specialists in intensive care at King’s College Hospital, looked terrified when they first emerged from the bush near the point where they were kidnapped.

As they were driven toward the border they began to relax and called their families to confirm they were free. The driver, who asked not to be named, said that the couple were largely unharmed.

A funeral service was held yesterday for Rachel Baraka, the 25-year-old ranger who was shot dead as she tried to protect the couple.

The park will be closed to visitors until safety can be guaranteed.