A VIDEO appeal to Islamic State (IS) kidnappers holding Haslemere journalist John Cantlie hostage to re-open channels of communication was made by his sister Jessica on Monday night.

Her videotaped statement, in which she dismissed IS claims that there had been no attempt to engage with the group, followed a further propaganda video featuring her brother released on Sunday, which implied he and the other hostages had been abandoned by their governments.

"It is not true to say there has been no attempt to engage with IS," she said.

"This is simply not accurate. This is frustrating for all parties, including those who are trying to assist us.

"We had previously been in contact through a channel started by you.

"But this stopped for reasons best known to you. We strongly challenge those holding John to return to your previously-opened channel, to which we continue to send messages and await your response so that in keeping with everyone's wishes, we can restart dialogue. We implore IS to reinitiate direct contact."

Her video followed a public appeal broadcast last week by their terminally-ill father Paul Cantlie, from Hampshire, which he made from his hospital bed after undergoing throat surgery.

He said. "He sought only to help the Syrian people and I ask you, for all that is sacred, to allow him to return home safely to those who love him."