Prayers were said last night for the safety of a 36-year-old Oxford man who has gone missing after travelling to Lebanon two weeks ago.

Members of the Muslim Education Centre of Oxford (Meco) have been desperately trying to contact Ahmar Houran, from Botley, since he went to the region but his mobile telephone is dead and emails have gone unanswered.

Mr Houran, a Lebanese-born computer specialist, is a member of Meco.

The organisation's chairman, Dr Taj Hargey, said last night: "The last time we saw Ahmar was at a special service for the July 7 bombing victims, that we held here in Oxford on July 2.

"He told us he was going home to Lebanon to see his family, and also to meet a prospective wife.

"He was excited about the trip and obviously at that time there was no cause for concern.

"But when the bombing started and we saw the deaths and destruction on the television, we were chilled and started to ring him and send messages, but so far we have had no word."

More than 230 Lebanese citizens have been killed since Israel launched air strikes last Wednesday.

Israel says it is targeting the Hizbollah militia, which captured two of its soldiers last week. Twenty-five Israelis have also died 12 as a result of Hizbollah rocket attacks.

Mr Houran moved to Oxford from Lebanon to study, and stayed on to work for a biotech company in Abingdon.

Dr Hargey added: "We're all very worried about Ahmar, because we know he comes from the south of Lebanon, which is the worst-affected area.

"I have contacted some of his friends in London to see if they have any contact details for his family out there, but so far I haven't heard back it's very worrying.

"He is a quiet, peace-loving man and we just want to know he's okay."

An Oxfordshire woman has joined aid workers helping those caught up in the horrific escalation of violence in the Middle East.

Red Cross volunteer Suzanna Rose, from Henley, was one of three British delegates who flew to Cyprus to offer support, including healthcare and accommodation to Britons evacuated from Lebanon.

Ms Rose said: "We have been helping some very distressed and exhausted people who are arriving from Lebanon.

"We will continue to provide support when needed."