Freed hostage David Bolam back home in Shropshire
A hostage freed by terrorists in Libya was today back at home in Craven Arms after almost five months in captivity.
David Bolam, 63, a teacher who worked at the International School in Benghazi, was abducted by Islamic militants in the country during a shopping trip in May.
Iit was announced at the weekend that Mr Bolam had been released after secret negotiations and the payment of a ransom by parties linked to the school in Libya where he worked.
He is understood to now be back in Shropshire where he owns a house with wife Marion. The couple, who previously lived in the village of New Invention, near Clun, moved to Brook Street, Craven Arms about a year ago.
The family have requested privacy at this time as Mr Bolam recovers from his ordeal.
Tony Willetts, chair of Craven Arms Town Council, said there were no plans for a homecoming celebration at this point.
He said: "In the circumstances I think it is best the family are left alone for now. I imagine they are going through quite an emotional rollercoaster. Out of deference to their request for privacy, in circumstances we will not be doing any kind of homecoming celebration."
Mr Bolam had decided to stay at the school as one of its senior members of staff despite warnings about the perilous security situation in Libya.
He was abducted on a shopping trip and, on August 28, a video of Mr Bolam was released making a plea to David Cameron. Looking tired and dishevelled, Mr Bolam asked Mr Cameron to secure his release.
The British Government has a policy of never paying ransoms and was not involved in the negotiations.
However, a ransom demanded of the international school was paid, but how much and by whom has not been revealed.
Mr Bolam's abductors were local Islamic militia members in Libya, not Islamic State terrorists of the sort operating in Iraq and Syria who were recently responsible for the murder of aid worker Alan Henning.
