THE cousin of an Iraqi journalist exiled in Bolton has been reportedly captured by Islamic State fighters.

Distraught Rzhwan Amin, who is battling for asylum status in the UK, has seen pictures in the Arab media of his cousin Mariwan in a pose similar to that inflicted on Bolton aid worker Alan Henning.

Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, Mariwan Amin is kneeling down in front of an armed fighter, thought to be a member of Islamic State, also known as Isis or Isil.

Mariwan was one of 21 people trying to protect the Kurdish town of Kirkuk who were captured by Islamic State, according to Mr Amin, with unverified videos of three of the captives being beheaded having already been released.

Currently living in Great Lever with a friend, Mr Amin, aged 34, says the worst part of the horror is that he is unable to return to Iraq to be with his mother and family.

Mr Amin, who is a member of the Manchester and Salford branch of the National Union of Journalists, who are supporting his asylum bid, was forced to flee Iraq amid fears he would be killed for political reports he had written.

He said: "It is really hard. As far as we know he is still with Isis, but three others have been beheaded so we just do not know.

“It is heartbreaking for me that the situation has become so horrific.

“The problem is that I can’t go back to see my mother. If something happens with my family, I can’t go back. I might never see them again.”

He said his aunt, 30-year-old Mariwan’s cousin, has not eaten for two weeks, because she is so upset.

Mr Amin arrived in the UK five years ago after an eight-day journey in the back of a lorry from Istanbul.

He left Iraq when he says his investiagtive journalism put him in danger.

The Home Office question the extent to which his life would be in danger if he returned to Iraq. The case is now set to appear before the High Court.

The NUJ says he should be granted UK asylum on human rights grounds.

The Home Office declined to comment on the individual case, other than saying that the UK has a ”proud history” of granting asylum to those in need of protection.