One of the two British aid workers reported missing over the weekend has reportedly been found dead, according to a Russian mercenary group engaged in fighting in Ukraine.
The Foreign Office said it was helping the two men’s families, though it has not confirmed the claim.
Intense fighting has been going on recently in the town of Soledar, and Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Chris Parry, 28, were last seen leaving on Friday.
Without identifying him, the Wagner group reported on Wednesday that a body had been discovered.
The BBC has not independently verified the assertion.
The group shared images of allegedly missing men’s-related documents on social media.
The statement posted on messaging platform Telegram from the press office of the head of the pro-Kremlin Wagner group claimed the body was found in eastern Ukraine.
The Foreign Office said it was aware of recent reports and was in touch with the Ukrainian authorities.
Mr Parry and Mr Bagshaw had been in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine doing voluntary work, helping to evacuate people from the front line.
Earlier this week, the family of Mr Parry, originally from Truro in Cornwall but now living in Cheltenham, said they were “very worried” about his health and whereabouts.
He “would not be dissuaded from his work in Ukraine liberating elderly and disabled people, which we are very proud of”, they said.
The parents of Mr. Bagshaw, who lives in New Zealand, said they “love him dearly” and were immensely proud of all his work helping Ukrainians.
They said he had been delivering food and medicines and helping the elderly.
The Foreign Office is warning against all travel to Ukraine, saying there is “a real risk to life.”
It adds that British nationals still in Ukraine should leave immediately if it is safe to do so.