Devon politicians and a Muslim leader have condemned the beheading of British hostage Alan Henning by Islamic State jihadists.
A video, apparently showing Mr Henning being murdered by a knifeman dressed in black in a desert setting, was released on the internet late on Friday.
The 47-year-old aid worker and former taxi driver from Salford, Greater Manchester, had been held by so-called Islamic State (ISIS) terrorists since he was kidnapped last December.
Central Devon MP Mel Stride said: "This is a revolting and despicable act, roundly condemned by all decent people including the overwhelming majority of Muslims who believe in tolerance and peace.
"Those who perpetrated this vile act showed no mercy to a man who was engaged in providing vital humanitarian assistance and simply doing his best to help others in need. My thoughts are with Alan's wife Barbara and his family as they come to terms with their loss."
Dr Sarah Wollaston, Totnes MP, also condemned the actions of Islamic State. She posted on Twitter: "Remember #AlanHenning as all that is best in humanity, not as his vile murderers demand. Rest in Peace."
Kevin Foster, prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservative party for Torbay in next year's General Election said: "Alan Henning just wanted to help his fellow man & lost his life for it. My prayers are with his family & our forces as they tackle this evil."
Torbay Cllr Darren Cowell added: "The barbaric murder of Alan Henning has nothing to do with true Islamism. Thoughts are with his family. We will not yield to terrorists."
Mohamed Abu Muganzi, director of the Piety Islamic centre in Plymouth, added: "We have condemned it in the strongest terms.
"What ISIS is doing is not in the teachings of our Prophet (peace be upon him).
"Everyone should condemn what these people are doing. We have signed a memorandum from all the UK imams saying that the hostages should not come to any harm.
"Mr Henning went to Syria to help people on humanitarian grounds.
"What ISIS is doing is against our beliefs."
Prime Minister David Cameron said the "brutal murder shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are", and vowed to "do all we can to hunt down these murderers and bring them to justice".
