British radio presenter Gavin Ford, host of one Lebanon’s most popular morning shows, was found dead Tuesday.
An investigation has been opened and "initial information suggests that Ford was murdered", a security source told AFP, asking not to be named.
Ford's lifeless body was discovered at his home in Beit Meri, a mountain town east of Beirut where his employer Radio One is also based, reported the National News Agency.
One official said Ford's body was found Tuesday morning but refused to provide further details about the killing. LBCI TV said Ford was strangled and struck on the head, leading to his death.
Another official confirmed Ford was strangled, and said security agents are questioning his neighbors for details about who visited him in recent days.
Ford’s death led to an outpouring of shock and sadness on social media by people who followed his popular morning program on all-music Radio One station. The 53-year-old Ford had worked for the station since the 1990s, gaining a large number of fans in Lebanon.
Britain's ambassador to Lebanon, Chris Rampling, said he was "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," he tweeted, also posting a photograph of Ford.
Ford celebrated his birthday on Monday, according to his Facebook page which was filled with posts of people grieving his death.
Radio One, in a message on social media, said: "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear Gavin Ford, a member of our team for many joyful years."
