AN Iraqi medic who lives in Preston this week spoke exclusively to The Citizen about his fears for his family in Baghdad.

The man, who has asked not be identified for family reasons, said he has up to 40 direct relatives living in the Iraqi capital.

"We are in a situation where there is a war, there is street fighting and everybody is at risk," said the man, who works for the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

He lost all contact with his family back home when the city was bombed nearly two weeks ago.

"I wish I could be there to really know they are safe," he said.

The man, who has dual nationality -- Iraqi and British -- graduated from Baghdad University and came to this country for postgraduate study and training. He has worked for Preston and Chorley hospitals for several years.

He said the Iraqi people were caught up in the middle. "Nobody trusts them from either side, neither the Iraqi regime nor the Allies because of the way the war is being conducted. "And the way the Iraqi regime is treating civilians, they are in an awful situation."

He said the Iraqis in general were opposed to the Saddam regime and would be glad to see the back of it. "I don't think you will find any Iraqi who thinks Saddam is good."

And he praised both work colleagues and members of the local community for the support they have given him.

"They are absolutely wonderful. I can't really praise them enough, they are so wonderful and supportive.

"At work I'm keeping a low profile and not talking about it. When people talk about it I blank out the subject and try to talk about something else.

"The more you talk about it, the more upset you become."

He said he hoped to go out there when things settle down again.