Bradford's "human shield" Karl Dallas was today desperately trying to flee Iraq as US President George Bush gave Saddam Hussein a final ultimatum to leave Iraq within 48 hours or face war.

The 72-year-old, pictured, has been in Baghdad protesting against possible war against the country and visiting power plants and oil refineries.

But today Mr Dallas's wife Gloria revealed the campaigning pensioner was trying to escape before the bombing began.

Mrs Dallas, of Manningham, said both herself and her three children were keeping their fingers crossed that he got out quickly.

"He has been trying for a couple of days but things move a little slower out there," Mrs Dallas said. "He was really fed up yesterday, but he is a bit brighter today. But we are worried he may get trapped there.

"I have just got my fingers crossed that he will get out."