THE Southampton engineer dramatically rescued from al Qaida captors in Yemen by the SAS has this afternoon thanked forces who saved him.

Bob Semple said he is “delighted and relieved” to be reunited with his family following his 18-month ordeal after being kidnapped in the Middle Eastern country.

His release came in the climax of a major ‘military intelligence operation’ led by regional forces backed by the British SAS.

It followed a video being posted online appearing to show Mr Semple begging for his life as the deadline for his ransom loomed.

Mr Semple, 64, was captured from Yemen’s eastern province of Hadramaut in February last year while working as an oil engineer for Intracs Middle East Ltd.

Britain has a strict policy of not paying ransoms to terrorists and it is believed the mission was launched while his captors thought they were close to settling a fee for his release.

After being freed he was flown to the Yemen port city of Aden before flying to the UAE capital Abu Dhabi for medical checks on his way home.

Yesterday neighbours said the family had moved from their home in West End two weeks ago - located in a quiet close with a double driveway and a neat hedge.

But speaking today Mr Semple said: “I am delighted and relieved to be back home safely and to be reunited with my family after such a long time.

"My wife Sallie and I want to thank all the people who supported us through this ordeal: especially the Foreign Office, Hostage UK, the Police, our family, friends and well wishers, and the UAE forces who secured my release. We are incredibly grateful to you all.

“We would also like to thank the media for showing restraint during my 18 months in captivity, and I ask that this continues, allowing me to enjoy some valuable and much missed time with my family. It is great to be home."