A Brit who was sentenced to death by pro-Russian forces after being captured in Ukraine is understood to be safely back in the UK.

Shaun Pinner, who is originally from Watford, is thought to be among five Britons to have been set free, a non-profit organisation supporting one of the families has said.

Mr Pinner had been accused of being a “mercenary” after joining Ukraine’s fight against Russia and was given a death sentence by a court in the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic in the summer.

Read more: Captured Watford soldier ‘sentenced to death' by pro-Russian court

However, he was said to be on a plane that landed in the UK in the early hours of this morning (September 22) with fellow captured Brits Aiden Aslin, John Harding, Dylan Healy and Andrew Hill.

Watford Observer: Shaun PinnerShaun Pinner (Image: PA)

A video emerged late on Wednesday of two men sitting inside an airliner, in which Mr Aslin introduced himself and Mr Pinner, adding: “We just want to let everyone know that we’re now out of the danger zone and we’re on our way home to our families.”

Mr Pinner interjected: “By the skin of our teeth,” as Mr Aslin continued: “We just want everyone to know the good news etc, so thanks to everyone that’s been supporting us and whatnot, so it’s really muchly appreciated.”

Mr Pinner added: “Thanks to everybody.”

Non-profit organisation the Presidium Network, which has been supporting the family of Mr Healy, told the PA news agency that all five had landed “safely” in the UK and had been reunited with their families.

Prime Minister Liz Truss said on Wednesday that the release had been secured by working with Ukrainian authorities and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, but the identities of the men were not initially confirmed.

Ms Truss tweeted: “Hugely welcome news that five British nationals held by Russian-backed proxies in eastern Ukraine are being safely returned, ending months of uncertainty and suffering for them and their families.”

She thanked Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky “for his efforts to secure the release of detainees, and Saudi Arabia for their assistance”.

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