Outcry by Muslim leader as UK hostage 
‘beheaded’

Alan Henning was feared the victim of the latest in a series of beheadings by “Islamic State” members.

Qari Asim, of Leeds Mosque, said: “They (IS) are not motivated by faith. They are motivated by publicity. I am lost for words... They are doing things against the teachings of Islam.”

A video purporting to show the beheading of Mr Henning was released, despite pleas by his wife and British Muslims for him to be freed unharmed.

The Salford taxi driver was delivering aid to Syria in December when he was kidnapped, then held hostage. IS had threatened to kill him in a video showing the killing of Yorkshire-born UK hostage David Haines released last month.

On Tuesday, Mr Henning’s wife Barbara appealed for his release, saying: “He is innocent.”

IS has previously released videos showing the apparent beheadings of two US journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as Mr Haines.

The video apparently showing Mr Henning’s murder was released on the internet. Mr Henning says: “Because of our Parliament’s decision to attack the Islamic State, I, as a member of the British public, will now pay the price for that decision.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said the “brutal murder” of Mr Henning “shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are”.

Father’s plea from hospital bed: Page 2.