THE National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned an attack on two of its members working for The Times in Syria.

Reporter Anthony Loyd was shot twice in the leg and photographer Jack Hill was badly beaten by kidnappers while reporting from Aleppo.

The pair and their local guide were seized on the way back to the Turkish border.

They were eventually released following the intervention of an Islamic Front commander and are now said to be undergoing treatment in Turkey.

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “This is yet another case of shocking violence perpetrated against journalists doing their best to cover unfolding events in Syria.

“It is particularly concerning that the attackers were individuals who were supposed to be assisting the journalists in the pursuit of their work.

“The security and safety of reporters and photographers working in hostile environments is a vitally important issue.”

Fifteen journalists were murdered in Syrian last year, according to the International Federation of Journalists.