BBC newsman executed - reports

2007-04-15 17:47

London - The BBC and Britain's foreign office told AFP they were urgently investigating reports Sunday that kidnapped BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston had been executed.

The journalist was snatched at gunpoint last month, triggering protests and campaigns for his freedom.

"We've heard of those reports but we don't have any independent verification of them at the moment," a BBC spokesperson said.

"Obviously, we are deeply concerned about what we're hearing. We are obviously making urgent inquiries about this because it's of great concern to us to hear those sort of rumours.

"No group has claimed responsibility, even to say that he was abducted, so we've never had confirmation that he was abducted.

"Obviously, we have to assume that he has disappeared, but there has not been any direct or indirect link by the BBC with any group."

A foreign office spokesperson said: "We are aware of the report and are urgently looking into it."

There has been no word on the fate of Johnston, 44, since he was forced from his car at gunpoint as he drove home from work in Gaza City on March 12.

It is the longest time a Westerner has been held in the volatile territory.

- AP