UK: Man in James Foley beheading video appears to be British

LONDON – UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says the person appearing in the video posted by Islamic militants beheading American journalist James Foley appears to be British.

Hammond’s comments come after U.S. officials confirmed the grisly video showing Islamic State militants beheading Foley and threatening to kill another hostage. Hammond says the person in the video with Foley “appears to have been a British person.”

Hammond told the BBC on Wednesday that Britain was aware that UK nationals were involved in the commission of atrocities, making jihad with Islamic State extremists and other organizations.

Hammond says the possible involvement of a Briton underscored the risks that those now fighting with Islamic militants could return to Britain and carry out attacks at home.

This story was originally published August 20, 2014 at 8:32 AM with the headline "UK: Man in James Foley beheading video appears to be British."