Syrian preacher assassinated on west London street by 'Syrian hit squad'

A SYRIAN preacher from a west London mosque has been found shot dead in a car in a suspected assassination by his country's regime.

Syrian preacher ArwaniGETTY

Preacher Arwani from a west London mosque has reportedly been shot dead

Abdul Hadi Arwani, known for his staunch criticism of president Bashar al-Assad, was found slumped in a dark-coloured Volkswagen Passatt with gunshot wounds to his chest on Tuesday morning. 

Police were called to the scene in Wembley, north-west London at 11.15am but the preacher was pronounced dead at the scene half an hour later. 

The Metropolitan Police's homicide team are now trying to establish whether Arwani's fierce opposition to the Assad regime was a motive behind his suspected murder. 

Syrian-born Arwani studied in Jordan before moving to the UK where he taught in Slough and other areas of west London. 

He is understood to have six children, including a one-year-old girl. 

The former imam previously described the Assad regime as "more than criminal.. less than animals."

The preacher was also involved in a violent anti-Assad protest outside London's Syrian Embassy three years ago. Anti-riot police were forced to restrain protestors after they broke through barriers, and six people were arrested. 

It seems like the entire community is in a state of mourning

Supporter

During the 2012 Syria Crisis Week Arwani recalled memories of his home country, including his memories of the 1982 Hama massacre, which took place when he was aged 16. He explained he was forced to flee Syria after he was sentenced with capital punishment for taking pictures of the aftermath of the massacre. 

Last night supporters posted tributes to the preacher on Twitter, with one person writing: "I am so sad to hear about the death of Sh AbdulHadi Arwani."

While another wrote: "It seems like the entire community is in a state of mourning."

Scotland Yard are now appealing for anyone in the area from about 10am who may have seen a dark coloured VW Passat or anything suspicious to get in touch.

A police statement said: "At this very early stage detectives retain an open mind regarding the possible motive."

Arwani was a former imam at An-noor mosque, in Acton, west London, which is known for hosting fundamentalist speakers. The mosque has well-established links to war-torn Syria. 

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