THE news of Ken Bigley's execution shocked and saddened people across Swindon.

Peace campaigners, politicians and shoppers in the street were all equally as stunned to learn of the 62-year-old's death yesterday.

Julia Drown, the MP for South Swindon, said: "This is a real tragedy for the Bigley family as well as most people in the nation who were hoping for a good outcome.

"Much work has been done by many to try to get him released and I think this does nothing to help the cause of those who captured him.

Asked whether she felt Tony Blair could have done more to help save Mr Bigley, she stood by her leader.

"I am confident the Prime Minister and everyone who was working to try to get him released did their level best but they were dealing with horrific and evil people who once again showed they had no heart and no compassion," she said.

Michael Wills, the MP for North Swindon, said: "There's nothing any Government can do in these circumstances.

"It's very easy for people to lash out at the Government in these situations.

"You can't negotiate with these people, they are sociopaths. It is a terrible tragedy."

But others were more critical of Tony Blair. Andy Newman, of Swindon's Stop the War Coalition, said: "I am sure a face-saving deal could have been put together behind the scenes.

"I think the Government could have done more.

It's bad news and it's a terrible personal tragedy for the Bigley family.

"I thought he would be kept alive.

"He seemed to be an ace they had up their sleeves. I think a lot of us were hoping he would be released.

"But if we put this in context, kidnapping is endemic in Iraq. The whole country has gone mad.

"We are quite rightly focusing on this victim but we need to look at the bigger picture.

"The responsibility lies with the invasion of Iraq and Blair pledging his alliance to Bush rather than a British citizen. If they had not invaded Iraq, this just wouldn't be going on."

But the Bigley family has spoken out about what the Government did to help their loved one.

In a statement read by Ken's younger brother Philip, the family said: "We can confirm we have received absolute proof that Ken was executed by his captors.

"How we all, as individuals, handle crisis situations will differ from person to person, family member to family member.

"In that respect, the family here in Liverpool believes that our Government did all it possibly could to secure the release of Ken in this impossible situation.

"It could be that the fate of Ken was sealed from day one. We will never know."

Earlier this week, the Thamesdown Islamic Association sent a letter of support to the Bigley family.