The father of a British photojournalist being held by Islamic State militants has made an emotional appeal for his release.<br /><br />Speaking from hospital, Paul Cantlie wanted to deliver a message to his son’s captors but has yet to receive a response.<br /><br />He strained to speak after undergoing throat surgery but wanted to make sure his message got through:<br /><br />“To those holding John, please know that he is a good man, he sought only to help the Syrian people and I ask you, from all that is sacred, to help us and allow him to return home safely and to those he loves and who love him.”<br /><br />John Cantlie was kidnapped in Syria in 2012 and has appeared in three videos made by the jihadist group, in which he makes clear he was speaking as a prisoner whose life is in danger.<br /><br />Three hostages have been killed by ISIL fighters since August, they include two US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and British charity worker David Haines.
