By Graeme Strachan

A SECURITY worker from Dundee was killed yesterday in an ambush by Iraq insurgents.

Andrew Whyte, Thurso Crescent, died with an Iraqi colleague when their two-vehicle convoy was attacked near a power station complex they were protecting.

The attack took place south of the city of Beiji in central Iraq, US military officials said.

A third man, a foreign national, is still missing.

Mr Whyte, in his early 50s, was a former soldier. After leaving the army, he became a self-employed tree surgeon until taking up security work.

Last night, his partner was too upset to talk at his flat in Menzieshill.

Neighbours described Mr Whyte as a likeable man.

Major Neal O’Brien, a spokesman for the Tikrit-based 1st Infantry Division, said the rebels disabled their vehicle and killed two of the contractors.

Dr David Claridge, managing director of London-based Janusian Security Risk Management, said, “We can confirm that two of our colleagues, a Briton and an Iraqi, have been killed and a third man, also a foreign national, is missing.

“Their convoy was ambushed by insurgents close to the power station complex they were protecting. We deeply regret the loss of our colleagues in Iraq and our thoughts are with all their families at this time.

“We are proud of their professionalism and dedication and of the role they played in trying to help in the reconstruction of that country.

“We are investigating the matter and are working with the local authorities in their efforts to locate the missing civilian. Until the families of those involved have been informed, we will not be releasing names or further information. However, as more information does become available, we will release it.”

The Stop The War Coalition said it had no idea if the murder was linked to publication of photographs showing alleged abuse of Iraqi prisoners by British soldiers but a spokes- man added, “We certainly believe the photographs will put the lives of British soldiers at greater risk and will lead to an increase in attacks on the military in and around Basra.”

Janusian has operated in Iraq since April 17, 2003, and provides protection for foreign workers and diplomats against “terrorism, political violence and serious crime,” according to its website.

A Foreign Office spokesman said they were aware of the incident, but added that it was being handled by the company.

“They are informing next-of-kin and dealing with all issues surrounding repatriation,” a spokesman said.