Gavin Ford death: British radio host found murdered in Lebanon

British citizen was host of popular morning show in the Mediterranean country, where he earned legions of fans over the years

A British radio host has been found murdered at his home in Lebanon, where he had lived and worked for more than 20 years, according to local media.

Gavin Ford was the host of a popular morning show in the Mediterranean country, where he earned legions of fans over the years for his high-energy and humour.

His body was found on Tuesday morning at his apartment just outside the capital Beirut. Police told the local Daily Star newspaper that he was murdered.

Britain's ambassador to Lebanon, Chris Rampling, said that he was "shocked and deeply saddened" by Ford's death, describing him as "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," he wrote on Twitter.

A spokesperson at the British embassy in Lebanon told The Independent: “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”.

Radio One, the station where Ford worked, confirmed the death in an announcement 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," the statement said.

Since joining Radio One in 1996, Ford had become something of a morning institution for many listeners.

“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. “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.”

Fans of the show took to social media on Tuesday to share their memories of his many years on air.

“Our mornings will never be the same,” wrote Ray Salloum, on the host’s Facebook page.

“Thank you for making me laugh in the middle of the traffic and for making my mornings much better. Such a heartbreaking news!” wrote Dana Arnaout on Twitter.