Gavin Ford death: Two men arrested over murder of British radio host in Lebanon
Ford’s death has shocked his thousands of fans across Lebanon, where he had become a household name during his more than 20 years living in the country
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Your support makes all the difference.Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of British radio DJ Gavin Ford in Lebanon.
Ford, the host of a popular morning show, was found dead at his apartment on the outskirts of the capital Beirut on Tuesday, two days after his 53rd birthday.
Two Syrian men were detained for the murder on Wednesday and later confessed to the crime, according to a statement from Lebanon's Internal Security Forces. The statement added that the suspects entered Ford's apartment in the small town of Broumana on Monday to rob him, before strangling him and hitting him with a sharp metal object. They then stole his car and a number of items from the home. Police said Ford's mobile phone and car keys were found in the suspects' apartment.
News of the arrests came as the state prosecutor ordered an enquiry into how graphic pictures of the crime scene found their way onto social media. The images were reportedly leaked by investigating officers shortly after the body was found.
Ford’s death has shocked his thousands of fans across Lebanon, where he had become a household name during his more than 20 years living in the country. His energetic morning show on the English-language Radio One was a daily fixture for thousands of commuters.
Many listeners have shared tributes to the radio host since his death was announced.
“He was the only way for me to get over traffic and morning hell in this country,” Luna Safwan, a listener of the show, told The Independent following his death.
“It’s rare to find such energy I believe, knowing that it’s a field full of competition he somehow managed to keep us gripped to his show.”
Gino Raidy, a popular Lebanese blogger, wrote that Ford had “stuck with Lebanon in all the rough patches we’ve had over the past two decades, and the few great runs.
“That’s how long we’ve gotten used to his voice and jokes in the morning, and for most of you reading this, that’s most if not all of your lives,” he said.
Britain’s ambassador to Lebanon, Chris Rampling, said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Ford's death, describing him as "one of Lebanon's most popular morning breakfast hosts."
Radio One, the station where Ford had worked since 1996, said on its Facebook page: "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."
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