Popular British radio presenter Gavin Ford 'murdered' in Lebanon

DJ Gavin Ford's death led to an outcry on social media by people who followed his morning show on all-music Lebanon's Radio One station.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab & agencies

27 November, 2018

British ambassador in Lebanon says he is "shocked" by death of Gavin Ford [Twitter/Chris Rampling]

A Lebanese official says Gavin Ford - a widely-known British radio presenter who had been living in Lebanon for years - was found dead in his apartment in a mountain town near Beirut.

Gavin Ford's death led to an outcry on social media by people who followed his morning programme on all-music Radio One station.

Ford was with Radio One since 1996 and hosted the popular radio show "Gavin Ford in the Morning".

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to brief media, said Ford's body was found on Tuesday but refused to provide further details about the killing.

LBC TV said Ford was strangled and struck on the head, leading to his death.

Police sources told local news media that his death was being treated as a homocide.

Radio One posted on its Facebook page: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear Gavin Ford, a member of our team for many joyful years."

The British ambassador in Lebanon on Tuesday said he was "shocked" by the death of Gavin Ford.

"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," British Ambassador to Lebanon Chris Rampling said in a tweet.

A British Embassy spokesperson said: "We are in contact with the Lebanese authorities following reports of the death of a British man in Beirut, and our staff are providing assistance to his family."

Ford is the second UK citizen to be killed in Lebanon this year after British embassy staffer 31-year-old Rebecca Dykes was murdered by her Uber driver in December.