A former British soldier from Watford has been captured by Russian forces.

Shaun Pinner, 48, appeared in a Russian propaganda video where he addresses to the camera that he was captured in Mariupol.

The video that aired on Russian TV and social media on Saturday (April 16) featured Mr Pinner saying: “Hi, I’m Shaun Pinner. I am a citizen of the UK. I was captured in Mariupol. I am part of the 36 Brigade First Battalion Ukrainian Marines.

“I was fighting in Mariupol for five to six weeks and now I’m in Donetsk People’s Republic.”

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The former waste manager from Watford who also lived in Bedfordshire, was fighting alongside Ukrainian marines during the conflict.

It Is understood that he moved to Ukraine with his wife in 2018 and later joined the nation’s armed forces.

According to his family, his three-year contract was due to end later this year and he was planning to enter a humanitarian role within Ukraine.

He has been declared as the second British fighter to be captured by Russian forces, after Aiden Aslin from Nottinghamshire was also forced to surrender.

Mr Pinner’s family said they are working with the Foreign Office and Mr Aslin’s family to ensure “their rights as Prisoners of War are upheld according to the Geneva Convention.”

Watford Observer: Satellite image outside a place in Mariupol Credit: ©2022 Maxar Technologies / PASatellite image outside a place in Mariupol Credit: ©2022 Maxar Technologies / PA

A statement reads: “Shaun is a funny, much loved and well-intentioned husband, father, brother and friend to many.”

Before the invasion, Mr Pinner told Sky News in January that he was defending his “adopted city” and family during his time in Ukraine.

But over recent days, the battle has intensified as Mariupol has been reduced to rubble and the Russian Defence Ministry claims troops have cleared the urban area of the city.

The defence military gave a chilling ultimatum and said: “The Russian Armed Forces offer the militants of nationalist battalions and foreign mercenaries from 6am (Moscow time) on April 17, 2022, to stop any hostilities and lay down their arms.

“All who lay down their arms are guaranteed that their lives will be spared.”

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