The Prime Minister fears a former Perthshire man being held hostage by extremists will be beheaded before a rescue attempt can be staged.
Residents in Scone are in shock after it emerged the British national whom Islamic State announced their intent to kill is a former resident of the village.
Speaking at Westminster, David Cameron insisted the UK would not fold to the demands of the militants but admitted further beheadings may happen “in the future”.
The UK Government said it was examining “every possible option” to save the former soldier, who was threatened with death in the same online video that showed the decapitation of US journalist Steven Sotloff.
Neighbours in the Scone cul-de-sac where the hostage used to live said he had separated from his wife and moved abroad several years ago.
One woman, who asked not to be named, said police had visited the address on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
The sickening video in which the Perthshire man appeared is thought to have been filmed in Syria, where he was abducted last year.
The man who we have been asked not to name is the third hostage to have been targeted in such a way following footage that showed the beheading of US reporter James Foley last month.
For full coverage of the hostage crisis, see Thursday’s Courier or try our digital edition.