<sod >The father of John Cantlie, the British hostage being held by Islamic State militants, has appealed for his son to be released and returned "to those who love him." Paul Cantlie said he and his family were trying to communicate with the Islamic State (also known as Isis and Isil) to deliver an "important message regarding John".< eod>< sod > The father of John Cantlie, the British hostage being held by Islamic State militants, has appealed for his son to be released and returned "to those who love him." In an emotional plea, Paul Cantlie spoke of the pride he had for his son and said he could think of nothing that would bring him "greater joy" than his release.< eod>