THE family of a Desert Rat watched their son dodge a mortar -- as he was being interviewed on TV.

Irish Guard John Shaw, whose family live in Selous Road, Witton, and his 7th Armoured Brigade stormed the southern Iraqi city last week and took control.

Three soldiers were killed as the coalition forces met fierce resistance.

One of those was 21-year-old Christopher Muzvuru, who piped with John, 27, in the Irish Guards band at the Queen Mother's funeral.

John's Blackburn family -- his father John senior, mother Marie and sister Catherine -- and Debbie had a surprise last week watching the BBC's 10 o'clock news.

Debbie said: "I heard this familiar voice and looked at the screen and John was being interviewed.

"There was an explosion right near them and they, and the reporter, jumped in a ditch. It was a shock, but he was okay. He looked really clean!"

John's fiance Debbie Collier said: "We had a scare when we heard that two Irish Guards had been killed in the push for Basra.

"We are relieved John is okay, but I am worried about how he is feeling. I know he will be upset about it.

"Muz was a good friend of his. He must be taking it quite hard.

"I cannot begin to imagine how he is feeling."

Debbie, who lives in London, received a letter from John for the first time in two weeks. It was sent just before the storming of Basra.

She added: "He said I hope you are okay and that he was working 13 hours a day.

"He said he was counting the days before he comes home.

"He said the place was horrible and that he doesn't ever want to see a beach again. If we go on holiday we won't be going to the seaside or anywhere hot!"