NOVANEWS
By Simon Coyle, Andrew Stuart
A video that appears to show the murder of the 47-year-old hostage was released by Islamic State terrorists on Friday
A video has been released purporting to show the murder of Salford aid worker Alan Henning.
The 47-year-old former cabbie from Eccles was captured by militants from the extremist group Islamic State in December.
He was shown at the end of a video last month after the murder of fellow British captive David Haines with a warning that he would killed next.
7:12 pm Interpol boss: We should rename IS
The world should rename the extremist group who have murdered Western hostages Cowardly Murderers (CM) instead of the Islamic State (IS) name the jihadists prefer, the head of international police agency Interpol said.
Secretary General Ronald Noble said the killing of UK aid worker Alan Henning was “testament to the depravity” of the organisation and showed it had nothing religious about it.
Joining calls for a blackout of the “Islamic State” name, he said: “The cruel murder of an innocent man who freely gave his time to assist the people of the very region where he met his death is a testament to the depravity of this terrorist group, which is seeking to create a reign of terror across the region.
“I ask the global community: why should we allow a bloodthirsty group of terrorists to name themselves after a religion as a pretext to justify their heinous crimes that no religion would justify?
“I propose that the global community and law enforcement rename this group as CM for Cowardly Murderers.
“By doing this, we will remove their efforts to legitimise their crimes and put would-be foreign fighters on notice that if they join this group, then the world will see them as nothing more than cowardly murderers.
“Finally, let me stress that the cold-blooded and barbaric murder of Alan Henning only serves to harden the resolve of the global community to increase our efforts against the growing threat posed by militant terrorist groups, and bring those responsible for committing such atrocities to justice.”
6.36pm
Candles and a bible are among the items that have been left alongside flowers at the memorial opposite Eccles bus interchange.
One of the messages reads: “Our hero. Whilst we come to terms with this living nightmare you have suffered, rest in peace Alan. You leave an irreplaceable gap in all our lives.”
Another says: “A very special man with a heart of gold, God bless Alan.”
With a third reading: “To my special friend. Devastated Going to miss you so much. Love you.”
6.29pm
Dozens of floral tributes have been laid on a stone memorial in Eccles town centre with some visibly moved to tears as they paid their respects today.
And people living in the town his death had left the whole area overcome by grief.
Dave Mills, 43, from Eccles, said: “I was gutted when I heard, shocked.
“We all thought and hoped he might be released, so it’s just so sad.
“There has been a massive show of support, there have been yellow ribbons everywhere,
“I didn’t know him personally but so many people did and he was really well thought of.”
4.58pm
The murder of Alan Henning was condemned as a ‘cowardly and criminal act of appalling brutality’ at Manchester Central Mosque this afternoon.
Muslim leaders said the Islamic State militants were ‘an insult to the Islamic faith’ and joined calls for the brutal killers to be brought to justice.
The passionate statement was issued at an emotional reading on behalf of Muslims of the North of England in Manchester this afternoon.
Imam Asim Hussain praised Salford cabbie Alan Henning, from Eccles, as a ‘local and national hero’ who was selflessly committed to helping those most in need.
Full story here
3.44pm
A pal of Alan Henning has recounted the last time he saw his friend before his tragic aid mission to Syria.
Orlando Napolitano, 68, who runs the Bridge Cafe on Bridge Street, Pendlebury, was visited by Alan on a daily basis during his time as a taxi driver.
Read his tribute to Alan here
3.13pm
Alan Henning’s wife Barbara has released the following statement: “Alan, my husband, and father of Lucy and Adam, was kidnapped in Syria in December last year.
“Last night we received news of his murder by ISIL. It is the news we hoped we would never hear. As a family we are devastated by the news of his death.
“There are few words to describe how we feel at this moment.
“Myself, Lucy and Adam, and all of Alan’s family and friends are numb with grief.
“During this ordeal we have relied heavily on the support of many people. That support from the Government, FCO and GMP has been there from the start and has meant that we were able to get through the most awful of times.
“We always knew that Alan was in the most dangerous of situations but we hoped that he would return home to us. That is not to be.
“On behalf of the entire family, I want to thank everyone who campaigned for Alan’s release, who held vigils to pray for his safe return, and who condemned those who took him.
“Your efforts were a great support to us, and we take comfort in knowing how many people stood beside us in hoping for the best.
“Alan was a decent, caring human being. His interest was in the welfare of others.
“He will be remembered for this and we as a family are extremely proud of him and what he achieved and the people he helped.
“We now need time to come to terms with our loss.
“We would therefore be grateful if our privacy could be respected at this time.”
3pm
People are continuing to lay flowers on a momument in Eccles town centre
2.45pm
Number 10 Downing Street has released a statement following today’s meeting with the Prime Minister and UK security, intelligence and police officials following the murder of Alan Henning.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister met with senior officials from the intelligence agencies, Foreign Office, Home Office, police and military this morning to discuss the murder of Alan Henning and the government’s response.
“The Prime Minister was updated on work overnight to take down the video of the barbaric murder.
“He also discussed with officials the collective effort to hunt down the murderers.
“The PM was clear that we must keep doing all we can to ensure that these terrorists are found and brought to justice for their heinous crimes and we will keep working with our US partners and those in the region to do this.
“ISIL’s brutality will not persuade us to change our approach.
“Indeed, the senseless murder of an innocent man only reinforces our resolve to defeat this terrorist organisation and to eradicate the threat they pose to Britons – whether those in the region or here on the streets of the UK.
“At the meeting, the Prime Minister also raised a second video released last night which shows an apparent British ISIL fighter unmasked delivering a further message.
“The police are urgently investigating the contents of the video, including possible terrorism offences relating to it.”
2.39pm
Floral tributes in memory of Alan Henning are being left in Eccles
2.24pm
Dr Shimeela added: “By joining the US air strikes, we handed Alan and many other western hostages a death sentence.”
2.23pm
Dr Shimeela said: “With today marking the first day of Eid, it should have been a day to celebrate across the Muslim world.
“But instead it will be a day of mourning with a sense of deep realisation of the true nature of Islamic State.”
Dr Shimeela adds that IS have ‘made a mockery of our emotions and appeals by showing utter disregard for the sanctity of life’.
2.22pm
Reporter Tom Payne is at Manchester Central Mosque speaking with an aid worker who was with Mr Henning when he was captured.
1.38pm
Hugo Swire, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, has tweeted: “Barbaric murder of a brave man by cowardly terrorists.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Alan Henning’s family.”
1.34pm
Churches Together in Eccles will be holding a Service of Reflection for Alan Henning at Eccles Parish Church tomorrow (Sunday).
It will start at 6.30pm.
Everyone is welcome at this simple service of quiet reflection.
1.22pm
The Foreign Office has released a short statement.
They have said: “This is another disgusting murder and we are offering every possible support to the family.”
1.14pm
Football fans at matches across the UK will unite in applauding brave Alan Henning following news of his murder.
Thousands of supporters will show there respect for the aid worker by clapping for a minute in the third minute of games.
Premier League matches today include Aston Villa vs Manchester City and Liverpool vs West Brom.
1.09pm
Alan Henning’s brother-in-law has described his killers as ‘scum’ and said the family had lost a ‘great person’.
Speaking to the BBC, Mr Henning’s wife Barbara’s brother Colin Livesey, said: “My heart’s just sunk to a level that I never thought it could do.
“I’m just devastated for my sister and two kids for what they’ve gone through, and it’s so hard.”
Regarding Mr Henning’s killers he added: “I just hope and pray they get what’s coming to them.
“I’ve just so much hatred for them.”
12.44pm
Here is Orlando Napolitano who runs a cafe where Alan Henning was a regular when he worked as a taxi driver.
Mr Napolitano tells us about what kind of man Mr Henning was.
12.32pm
Watch Prime Minister David Cameron’s condemnation of Alan Henning’s murder below.
Full story here
12.21pm
Salford City FC have announced that they will hold a minute sulence before today’s game with Bamber Bridge.
A statement posted on the club’s website says: “Following the tragic news about local man Alan Henning a minute’s silence will be held prior to this afternoon’s game
“Everyone at Moor Lane wishes to offer their sincere condolences to Mr.Henning’s family at this very sad time.”
12.18pm
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has offered his condolences to Mr Henning’s family.
He said: “This is a barbaric act of criminality by people who have no concept of mercy.
“That it was done during the holy festival of Eid makes it even more despicable, if that is possible. It is an affront not just to humanity but also to the Islamic faith.
“Alan Henning was in Syria to assist and help those affected. It is a disgrace that that should result in his murder and our thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
11.41am
Manchester-based Muslim broadcaster Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, met Alan Henning at a charity dinner in September last year.
He said: ’We’re totally disgusted by the news of Alan’s death and condemn it beyond reservation.
“What we’ve seen today is a coming together of Greater Manchester’s faith communities.
“Alan was a British hero who have up a life of luxury to help those most in need.
“That’s what he was, a true hero.’
11.37am
We now have a story online with reaction from Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.
Mr Cameron has paid tribute to Mr Henning calling him ‘a man of great peace and kindness’.
Read the full story here
11.28am
Orlando Napolitano runs a cafe where Mr Henning was a regular when working as a taxi driver.
This morning he has been recounting the last time he saw Alan, just before Christmas, when he came into the cafe and revealed he would making the trip to Syria.
Orlando said: “I asked him ‘why are you doing that?’ and he said ‘because I want to. It will make me happy’.
“I broke down when I heard the news this morning.
“I really thought he was coming home. He was a special man.”
11.12am
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has been speaking with Sky News this morning. about the death of Alan Henning
He told the news organisation: “He was there to help people in Syria.
“He has now been brutally murdered by an organisation twisting a religion for its own means.
“What ISIL are doing is sick and twisted and they will not win.”
Mr Clegg also rejected that the decision to start air strikes against ISIL in Iraq led to the murder.
He added: “ISIL were murdering innocent people before the vote in the House of Commons last week.
“None of the reasons they give will every justify what they do.”
10.58am
The Islamic Society of Britain has tweeted: “ISIL is a vile and evil death cult, killing an innocent man who went to help others, during the sacred days of Hajj. #AlanHenning“
10.56am
Mr Cameron also told Sky News: “We will use all our assets to try and find those hostages and help their families.”
He added that everything will be done to try and destroy the ‘ruthless and barbaric’ IS organisation.
10.52am
Prime Minster David Cameron has been speaking to Sky News calling the murder of Alan Henning by Isalmic State terrorists as ‘senseless and completely unforgivable’.
He added: “As a country we need to do everything we can do defeat this organisation.
“We must do everything we can to hunt down the people responsible.
“There is no level of depravity that they will not sink.
“Alan Henning was a man of great peace and kindness.
“This was a kind caring man.
“The fact they can murder him in the way they did shows what we are dealing with.”
10.39am
Tributes are continuing to pour in for Alan Henning this morning.
Friends, family and world leaders are paying tribute to the aid worker.
Read the full story here
10.22am
The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, has said: “Our prayers and our thoughts have been with the family of Alan Henning over these last weeks, during which his life has been so publicly threatened.
“Today those thoughts and prayers are redoubled, not only here in his home city of Salford but across the globe.
“In his life Alan Henning united people across the boundaries of nationality and faith. He did so both through his humanitarian actions and by the love that drove him on.
“That his tragic death continues to unite people across Britain and beyond is demonstrated today by the range of people and organisations paying him tribute.
“To ISIS we say: You no longer have the power to shock us, now you just sicken us. Your brutality, against any who don’t share your narrow, perverted worldview, doesn’t undermine our determination, it stiffens our resolve.
“Your destiny is not to be a force in human history, merely one of its sad footnotes.”
10.07am
British Muslims have led condemnation of the murder of British hostage Alan Henning as a “despicable and offensive act” which showed the Islamic State jihadists who killed him had “no regard for Islam”.
Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “It is quite clear that the murderers of Alan Henning have no regard for Islam, or for the Muslims around the world who pleaded for his life.
“Alan was a friend of Muslims, and he will be mourned by Muslims.
“In this period of Hajj and this festival of Eid, Muslims remember the mercy of God and the emphasis God places on human life.
“Alan Henning’s murderers have clearly gone against that spirit of Islam. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
10.03am
The American ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun has said: “Today, we stand with the UK in joint determination, resolve and commitment to achieve justice for Alan Henning.”
9.48am
Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has just released a statement following the murder of aid worker Alan Henning.
Mr Lloyd said: “People across Greater Manchester will be shocked at the murder of Alan Henning.
“Our thoughts are with his family and circle of loved ones at this terrible time. What they are going through is unimaginable.
“All we can do is express our sympathy and pledge to remember Alan for what he was – a thoroughly decent man and the kind of quiet humanitarian who makes this world a better place.
“This is murder, plain and simple. That it could be claimed to be in the name of religion is obscene and all people of faith will abhor this brutal act of cowardice.
“Alan Henning will not be forgotten – he made a difference to people’s lives and while the world is a little darker today, his commitment to the cause of humanity will last longer and burn brighter than the supposed cause of the evil men who took his life.”
9.41am
The United Nations Security Council has released a statement expressing outrage at Alan Henning’s murder.
It says: “This crime is a tragic reminder of the increasing dangers volunteer humanitarian personnel face every day in Syria.
“It also once again demonstrates the brutality of Isil, which is responsible for thousands of abuses against the Syrian and Iraqi people.”
9.30am
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby writing on Twitter said: “Alan Henning’s memory will last, he gave his life serving people far away with nobility and love.
“Pray for his family’s strength and courage.”
9.15am
Prime Minister David Cameron is meeting with security chiefs at the moment to discuss the murder of Alan Henning.
I’m meeting security chiefs this morning to discuss the barbaric murder of Alan Henning. His killers will be hunted down and face justice.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) October 4, 2014
8.47am
Last night the Primer Minister said the country would do everything in its power to hunt down Alan Henning’s murderers.
In a statement David Cameron said the barbaric murder of Salford aid worker Mr Henning shows the depravity of his captors.
He said: “The brutal murder of Alan Henning by ISIL shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are.
“My thoughts and prayers are tonight with Alan’s wife Barbara, their children, and all those who loved them.
“Alan had gone to Syria to help get aid to people of all faiths in their hour of need.
“The fact he was taken hostage when trying to help others and now murdered demonstrates that there is no limits to the depravity of these ISIL terrorists.
“We will do all we can to hunt down these murderers and bring them to justice.”
8.20am
French president Francois Hollande is another world leader to condemn the murder of Alan Henning.
He said he is “outraged by the heinous crime.”
Mr Hollande added in a statement: “This crime like previous ones will not be unpunished.
“France will continue to lend support to the people and authorities of Iraq in their fight against terrorism.”
8.12am
Salford MP Barbara Keeley added: “Everyone takes great pride in him and what he was doing.
“You hear people, whether that be regular taxi customers of his, or others, telling so many stories about what a great man he was.
“And people will also remember him for the work he was doing.
“He was a good man trying to help families and children who had suffered.
“How many people would give up their Christmas to join aid mission to a place like Syria, and take the risks that he did, because they believed it was what needed to be done?
“And I think people will want to reflect and remember him for that.”
8.10am
Alan’s local MP, Barbara Keeley, says the death of Alan Henning is not just a tragedy for his family but for the entire community.
The Salford MP has told the M.E.N: “First and foremost my thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially Barbara Henning.
“It is worth remembering how many months how many months of torment she has been through, and the bravery she has shown throughout them.
“It is devastating news for them, but also for the community as a whole.
“What we have seen over the past few weeks is just how much the community values Alan.”
01.04am
This is the photo that should be spread across the world to remember Alan Henning, a man who was just trying to help.pic.twitter.com/voHFNpHRe8
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) October 3, 2014
12.33am
The father of journalist John Cantlie, who is being held by Islamic State militants, appealed for his son’s release hours before a video emerged apparently showing the murder of fellow British hostage Alan Henning.
Paul Cantlie spoke of his family’s “despair and helplessness” after seeing his son appear on a video released on the internet.
Delivering his appeal in a video, he said: “To those holding John: please know that he is a good man.
“He sought only to help the Syrian people and I ask you from all that is sacred to help us to allow him to return safely to those he loves and those who love him.”
Speaking with the help of a voice aid from a hospital bed, Mr Cantlie said the family experienced “great reilef” when they saw John in a televised broadcast – but this feeling turned to “despair”.
Referring to the moment he saw John in the clip, Mr Cantlie said: “For the first time in almost two years, we saw John when he made a televised broadcast during which he told viewers that he was still a prisoner of the Islamic State and that maybe he will live and maybe he will die.
“As a family we experienced great relief seeing and hearing John and knowing that he is alive, but this was followed by the feeling of despair and helplessness.”
12.30am
More reaction…
Inspire, an anti-extremist campaign group of British Muslim women, described Mr Henning’s death as “an affront to all Muslims across the world”.
Co-director Sara Khan expressed her “heartfelt condolences” to the family of the aid worker, who she described as an “amazing man, a man of courage, a man of dignity, a man of integrity”.
She said: “The only thing that the killing of Alan has achieved is greater revulsion for ISIS and the fact that more people from across our world, within our communities, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, are united in their stance against their barbarity and inhumanity.
“The murder of Alan Henning is a brutal and criminal act of terror that is an affront to all Muslims across the world.”
12.05am
Our front page tomorrow, with Alan Henning how he should be remembered. #RIPAlanHenningpic.twitter.com/voEwX8uhGS
— Manchester News MEN (@MENnewsdesk) October 3, 2014
11.25pm
British Muslims have led condemnation of the murder of British hostage Alan Henning as a “despicable and offensive act” which showed the Islamic State jihadists who killed him had “no regard for Islam”.
Imams and other influential figures had joined forces to appeal to the terrorists to release the aid worker, a former taxi driver from Salford who left his job to travel to Syria to take help to victims of its civil war.
Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: “This reported murder is a despicable and offensive act, coming as it does on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid Al-Adha.
“It is quite clear that the murderers of Alan Henning have no regard for Islam, or for the Muslims around the world who pleaded for his life.
“Alan was a friend of Muslims, and he will be mourned by Muslims.
11.16pm
In the days after news of his capture was known, Alan Henning’s friends released this footage, where he explains his reasons for going out to help and be an aid worker:
11.14pm
Andrew Gwynne, MP for Denton and Reddish, tweeted:
Every time you do a good deed you shine the light a little farther into the dark. When you’re gone that light keeps shining on. #AlanHenning
— Andrew Gwynne MP (@GwynneMP) October 3, 2014
11.09pm
Labour party leader Ed Miliband has also paid tribute. He tweeted:
The murder of Alan Henning by ISIL is appalling and barbaric.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) October 3, 2014
11.08pm
Washington said the latest of four killings – including two US hostages – “is again yet another just very clear example of the brutality of this group, and why the president has articulated and is moving out in a comprehensive way to degrade and destroy ISIL”.
Lisa Monaco, assistant to the president for homeland security and counter-terrorism, said: “Our hearts go out to the British aid worker who we believe is in that video and to the remaining hostages and to their families.”
10.53pm
The video emerged a week after the House of Commons overwhelmingly backed the deployment of British military forces to bomb IS positions in Iraq.
With Labour support, MPs voted by a majority of 481 to endorse joining the US-led coalition confronting the extremists – although extending the mission into Syria is yet to be debated.
RAF jets began bombing missions at the weekend and Mr Cameron earlier announced the deployment of two more Tornado fighter bombers as he visited the Cyprus base from where they are operating.
The two additional GR4s lift the number to eight engaged in raids to support local ground forces, especially Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
10.50pm
PA have also released a small piece with a fellow aid worker.
Kasim Jameel, who said he was with Mr Henning on the final trip, did not want to talk about his capture.
Mr Jameel said: “Alan is just a taxi driver, that’s all he is, just a taxi driver. Ultimately they have no reason to kill him. He could see suffering before his eyes on social media. He knew how to get involved via myself. He went there to help.”
10.47pm
PA have put out a tribute to Alan Henning. In it, people who knew him in Salford tell of their memories.
Orlando Napolitano, 68, runs a cafe on Bridge Street, Salford, where Mr Henning was a regular, around the corner from the garage and taxi hire firm.
Mr Napolitano said: “I have been here 22 years, and two years ago these Asian people moved in around the back and that’s when all this started, this aid doing, taking stuff to Syria.
“He said he was going there to help these people who had nothing, refugees. He was happy to help.
“That last trip I said, ‘Alan, I think it is a bit dangerous’ He said, ‘No, I have been there twice. We don’t go far in, just past the border.’
“I said, ‘Alan, you are going before Christmas. What about your family?’
“He said, ‘That’s what I love to do. When you give them goods, the kids are so happy and that’s why.’
“He would come in for coffee twice a day and we would chat. He’s a nice guy, happy, cheerful.
“He was missing straight away, as soon as he went to Syria. As soon as he crossed the border they snatched him.”
10.43pm
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has tweeted his condolences:
Sincere condolences to Alan Henning’s family. Barbaric actions of ISIL are held in complete contempt. We are resolved to defeat this evil.
— Nick Clegg (@nick_clegg) October 3, 2014
10:30 pm
Many people had held vigils praying for the safe return and release of Alan Henning.
Greater Manchester Mosques also paid tribute to him, and urged IS to release him.
Last month, mosques across Greater Manchester made a heartfelt plea during Friday prayers in a joint statement signed by Muslim leaders in the region.
10.28pm
Sir Peter Fahy, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, has tweeted a tribute on behalf of GMP.
Everyone in GMP pays tribute to Alan Henning a brave man who left home to help people in need – our thoughts are with his family
— Peter Fahy (@gmpfahy) October 3, 2014
10.22pm
Alan Henning was taken hostage in December 2013.
We’ve published a timeline of events here.
10.19pm
The Prime Minister has tweeted this:
The brutal murder of Alan Henning by ISIL shows just how barbaric these terrorists are. My thoughts are with his wife and their children.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) October 3, 2014
10.17pm
Michael Wheeler, a councillor for Eccles, tweets this:
Terrible news about Alan Henning. This is simply cold-blooded murder that the whole community condemns. My thoughts are with his family.
— Michael Wheeler (@MJWheeler85) October 3, 2014
10.12pm
MPs were swift to condemn the apparent murder, one describing it as “an attack on humanity”.
Liberal Democrat party president Tim Farron said: “Alan Henning should be remembered for what he was – a kind hearted, selfless man who wanted to help others. My prayers are with his family.”
Shadow cabinet minister Jonathan Ashworth said the video emerged only hours after a vigil for his safe return by people “of all faiths and none” in Leicester.
“Dreadful devastating news,” he said.
Labour’s Pat McFadden said it was the “senseless killing of an innocent man. An attack on humanity.”
10.10pm
David Cameron’s statement on murder of Alan Henning pic.twitter.com/k3Fz9hlZ1A
— Tim Montgomerie (@TimMontgomerie) October 3, 2014
10.10pm
John Mullen, an Assistant Mayor at Salford Council and councillor in Alan’s ward of Barton said: “I’m really saddened by the news.
“I just hope it turns out that the video is a fake.
“His family must be beyond devastated and all our thoughts go to his family.
“He was an aid worker, that says everything you need to know about him, all he wanted to do was help people.
“And it’s just so wicked and cruel that he has had to go through this.
“What has happened to him has shook the area to its core.
“But the community spirit we have seen, with the yellow ribbons, is a tribute to the area’s care and compassion.”
10.06pm
This was Barbara Henning, Alan Henning’s wife, as she appealed for his release earlier this week.
She said: “Surely those who wish to be seen as a state will act in a statesman like way by showing mercy and provided clemency,” she said.
“I ask again for Islamic State, supported by voices from across the world, to spare Alan’s life.”
10.04pm
MrHenning’s apparent death will no doubt be heartbreaking for his family and will provoke outrage across the world.
MP George Galloway has just tweeted this following news of the beheading.
The ISIS murder of Alan Henning is a depraved Satanic act committed by devils in human form. It is a desecration of all that is holy.
— George Galloway (@georgegalloway) October 3, 2014
10.00 pm
Foreign Office: “We are aware of the video and are working urgently to verify the contents. If true, this is a further disgusting murder. We are offering the family every support possible; they ask to be left alone at this time.”
9.53pm
Mrs Henning revealed she had received an audio message of her husband pleading for his life, and had been told that a Sharia court had found him innocent of being a spy.
She told BBC News: “We are at a loss why those leading Islamic State cannot open their hearts and minds to the truth about Alan’s humanitarian motives for going to Syria and why they continue to ignore the verdicts of their own justice system.
“Surely those who wish to be seen as a state will act in a statesmanlike way by showing mercy and providing clemency. I ask again, supported by the voices across the world, for Islamic State to spare Alan’s life.”
9.52pm
Earlier this week Mr Henning’s wife Barbara pleaded for him to be freed.
She said: “I ask Islamic State please release him, we need him back home.”
She added: “Some say wrong time, wrong place. Alan was volunteering with his Muslim friends to help the people of Syria. He was in the right place doing the right thing.”
9.50pm
His wife Barbara made a direct, emotional appeal to his captors begging them to release him.
She was joined by Muslim leaders from across the world who have condemned the actions.
Whilst residents in his hometown decorated the streets in yellow ribbons as a show of support to his family.
9.48pm
Tonight, a Rochdale-based Muslim organisation described Mr Henning as ‘British Hero’ and said his death would appal all those of the Islamic faith.
Mohammed Shafiq, chief executive of the Ramadhan Foundation, said: “I am appalled at the brutal murder of Alan Henning by the evil ISIS, this barbaric killing is an attack against all decent people around the world.
“For weeks now the world has tried to appeal to these murderers to do the decent thing but they have no compassion or respect for human life.
“Alan Henning was a British hero, he put others first and we salute him and his life of service for others. My thoughts and condolences to Alan’s family and friends.
“British Muslims stand with Alan’s family and vow to defeat this evil ideology and barbaric organisation.
“Islam not only condemns these crimes but forbids them, those that carry them out are committing crimes against Islam.”
We’ve got a few more details here.
9.46pm
If the video is found to be authentic, he will become the fourth western hostage to be killed by the group.
The Foreign Office said they could not confirm the reports but said they were currently investigating them.
The dad-of-two, known as ‘Gadget’ to his friends and family because of his fondness for technology, travelled to Syria to work with charity Al-Fatiha Global last year.
9.38pm
Mr Henning, a former taxi driver from Salford, was last seen at the end of a video released last month following the murder of fellow British captive David Haines.
9.33pm
Many people had appealed for his release from the Islamic State group. Vigils and services had been held around Greater Manchester. Here, you can see the amount of people in Eccles town hall, where Alan lived, praying for his return.
9.30pm
In the video, Alan Henning is shown alive. Later in the video, his body appears to be shown.
9.27pm
PA have released a short line, saying a video showing the murder of British hostage Alan Henning, who was kidnapped by IS militants, has been released on the internet.
9.25pm
The video was released on Friday evening by Islamic State terrorists, and appears to show Alan Henning.