The people of Liverpool have observed a two minute silence in memory of murdered hostage, Ken Bigley, who was from the city.
The midday silence was led by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Frank Roderick, who said that everyone's thoughts were with Ken Bigley's family and friends.
Flags are flying at half-mast in the city and books of condolence have been opened.
The Foreign Office in Britain has refused to comment on reports that Mr Bigley managed to escape before being recaptured and beheaded.
The Reuters News Agency quoted 'insurgent sources' as saying that he managed to get away for about half an hour with the help of one of his kidnappers before he was recaptured in farmland near the town of Latifiya, southwest of Baghdad.
The sources said however, that he never made it to the main street. The fate of the person who helped him to escape is not known.
Sources within the interim Iraqi Government have told the BBC they believed Mr Bigley did try to escape.
Last night a candlelit vigil was held at the city's Catholic Cathedral. Confirmation of Mr Bigley's death came yesterday when a video was released showing him being beheaded.
