British radio host murdered at home in Lebanon

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Police in Lebanon are investigating the death of a British radio host inside his apartment on the outskirts of the capital Beirut, amid shock among his fans and fury after a picture of his brutalized body began circulating on social media.

The body of Gavin Ford was discovered on Tuesday after security forces entered his house in Beit Mery, some 20 kilometers from Beirut. He had not shown up to work at Radio One, an English-speaking radio station where Ford had presented a breakfast show since 1996, and his colleagues contacted the police.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Gavin Ford. The management and team express our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. May his soul rest in peace," Radio One announced on its Facebook page on Tuesday.

Initial investigations indicate that Ford was murdered, Lebanese media reported citing security sources.

According to a leaked coroner's report, Ford was strangled with a piece of cloth, with his hands tied behind his back. Local Television broadcaster LBCI said the man had also sustained a blow to his head.

Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (IFS) have yet to issue details about the murder.

Arrests made

Sources late on Wednesday revealed to local media that two men have been arrested on suspicion of killing Ford.

"After a surveillance operation, the information division [of the General Directorate of State Security] arrested two Syrians who killed British presenter Gavin Ford," said LBCI on its website, quoting unnamed sources. Another TV station, MTV, reported that the two suspects admitted to killing Ford, with theft being their motive, adding that one of the couples had known the victim.

British radio host Gavin Ford (R) attends an event. /Photo via "Gavin Ford in The Morning" Instagram account

Previous reports said Ford's dog, car and mobile phone were stolen and a safe in the house was found unlocked, although there were no signs of it being opened by force.

Investigators believe the murder took place on Monday, a day after Ford celebrated his 53rd birthday, which he marked with a close group of friends at an Indian restaurant.

In a selfie clip shot on Sunday from his living room and posted by online news website Lebanon Debate on Tuesday, Ford thanked a well-wisher for their birthday message.

"Cheers for the message. I'm looking 53, I'm bloody awful. My eyes are a bit funny still," he says in the video, before turning the camera to two guests, asking them to say hello.

"I gotta go, I've been up all day, I haven't had my little rest. I'm going to be so tired, I'm going to the Indian restaurant later. Cheers," he added.

It was not clear whether the two men in the clip were the same who were detained by the country's security officials.

Grief and anger

Ford graduated in 1984 from the National Broadcasting School in London and presented a show on offshore UK station Radio Caroline. He worked in Italy, France and Cyprus, before moving to Lebanon where he hosted "Gavin Ford in The Morning" for the past 22 years, keeping commuters company as they navigate traffic jams.

There has been an outpouring of grief online following news of his death, including from politicians and MPs.

Gavin Ford and his dog Fred. /Photo via "Gavin Ford in The Morning" Instagram account

"You will be missed... Beirut mornings will not be the same without you," said Micha Habib on Twitter.

"(I) always listened to your show every time I drove to school back in #Lebanon. I loved the show so much that I kept tuning in from overseas," recalled Ibrahim Karkouti.

"'Gavin Ford in the morning' has kept us company for the past 20 years with positive vibes and good music. May Justice be served!" wrote Samy Gemayel, a member of the Lebanese parliament and leader of the Phalange party.

"I am shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Gavin Ford, one of Lebanon's most popular morning breakfast hosts. The thoughts of all at the Embassy are with his family, friends and colleagues at this terribly difficult time," said UK Ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling.

A photograph of Ford's bloodied and naked body lying motionless next to his bed has been making the rounds online, angering the Lebanese blogosphere.

The country's state-owned National News Agency reported on Wednesday night that Lebanon's Attorney General Samir Hammoud has ordered a probe into the leaking of preliminary investigations into the murder of Ford and the publication of pictures taken at the crime scene.

Ford's murder follows that of his compatriot Rebecca Dykes late last year at the hands of her Uber driver, who had a criminal record. Dykes was raped and strangled before her body was discarded next to a highway, in a chilling case that prompted calls to suspend the ride-hailing service in the country.