Families of British men reported missing in Ukraine speak of 'pride' in their volunteer work

The country’s national police said Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Christopher Parry, 28, were last seen on Friday

The parents of one of the British men missing in Ukraine have spoken of feeling "raw" following their son’s disappearance.

The country’s national police said Andrew Bagshaw, 48, and Christopher Parry, 28, were last seen on Friday.

They were reported missing to Bakhmut police, who have been leading the search efforts around the Donbas based city.

Mr Bagshaw, a resident of New Zealand, was in Ukraine to assist in delivering humanitarian aid, according to New Zealand media reports.

A statement on behalf of his parents released to the press said: "Andrew is a very intelligent, independently minded person, who went there as a volunteer to assist the people of Ukraine, believing it to be the morally right thing to do.

"Andrew’s parents love him dearly and are immensely proud of all the work he has been doing delivering food and medicines and assisting elderly people move from near the battlefront of the war."

Mr Parry is believed to be a volunteer helping civilians to evacuate from near the front line.

Journalist Arnaud De Decker was one of the last people to see Mr Parry and Mr Bagshaw before before they went missing

In a statement released by the Foreign Office, his family said: "We are very worried and concerned about the health and whereabouts of Chris right now.

"He is an extraordinary person who is compassionate and caring and would not be dissuaded from his work in Ukraine liberating elderly and disabled people, which we are very proud of.

"We, his family and partner, all love him very much and would be grateful if our privacy could be respected at this difficult time."

Initially reported missing on January 7, police said the men left for the town of Soledar before contact with them was lost.

A Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting the families of two British men who have gone missing in Ukraine."

Police are currently asking for information on the pair in the hopes of tracking them down.

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