Updated 22.09

The Islamic State has posted a video purporting to show the murder of Alan Henning.

The 47-year-old former taxi driver, originally from Eccles in Greater Manchester, was captured by militants last December while delivering aid in Syria.

Since then family, friends and colleagues have made repeated calls for him to be released.

However, a video posted on YouTube appears to show Mr Henning being beheaded by a man in a black mask.

The video shows Mr Henning kneeling down in front of a man with a knife. The man with the knife appears to speak with a British accent.

The British Foreign Office has responded to the video saying: "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."

Last month, Mr Henning's wife renewed calls for his release.

In her first televised interview since he was captured, Barbara Henning said her family was "dreadfully concerned".

Last week, Mrs Henning revealed she had received an audio message from her husband pleading for his life.

If the video is proved to be genuine it would be the fourth such murder of a western captive by Islamic State in this manner.