A SUFFOLK vicar has today spoken of his fears for his brother and family who are stuck in war-torn Beirut.The Reverend Ian Naylor, vicar of Martlesham with Brightwell, is in regular contact with his brother Christopher via e-mail and said he feels some relief that his sibling may soon be evacuated.

A SUFFOLK vicar has today spoken of his fears for his brother and family who are stuck in war-torn Beirut.

The Reverend Ian Naylor, vicar of Martlesham with Brightwell, is in regular contact with his brother Christopher via e-mail and said he feels some relief that his sibling may soon be evacuated.

He said: “He has lived there for ten years working for an environmental agency and lives with his wife and three children who are 14, 13 and nine.

“There have been problems there in the past and it has been rumbling but it caught everyone unaware with its rapid escalation.

“As a family member I don't blame anyone. There have been victims and perpetrators on both sides but I feel helpless and am looking for e-mails from him all the time and watching the news to see what is happening.

“It is a rollercoaster emotionally.”

The vicar's 44-year-old brother, who is originally from Kent, has been contacting him via e-mail since telephone lines went down.

His most recent message tells of his anguish at seeing the Lebanese people suffer.

It reads: “As I write the bombs are detonating landing on the port and residential areas to the south of us. It is an appalling feeling to know that with each explosion the innocents are dying.

“As you watch the news you must be seeing that it is the ordinary folk of this beloved country who are being killed. The targets are petrol stations, road intersections, bridges, and residential districts. To add insult to injury prior to bombing the warplanes rain down leaflets saying leave and then bomb the very roads and cars taking people out. I cannot tell you how we feel.”

The vicar said he believes his family will be evacuated to Cyprus where his sister-in-law has family but said they may have to return to the UK in September if the situation is not under control so that the children can continue their education.

Prayers will be said for peace in Beirut at St. Michael's on the Heath Church on Thursday at 7.30pm.

Are you concerned for loved ones in Beirut? Write to: Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail: eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.