(MENAFN- Gulf Times) David Cameron has backed the "firm stance" taken by the Japanese government over the alleged murder of one of its citizens by Islamic State (IS) terrorists.
The prime minister pledged "solidarity with the Japanese people" after a video was temporarily posted online purporting to announce the murder of hostage Haruna Yukawa.
He said the reported execution of Yukawa by IS extremists - one of whom is believed to be the Briton dubbed Jihadi John - is "another reminder of the murderous barbarity of these terrorists".
Cameron gave his support for his counterpart in Tokyo, Shinzo Abe, after the video was posted online yesterday.
The Japanese government was seeking urgent verification of the video.
Earlier this week footage was released in which a masked militant, believed to be Jihadi John, made threats to kill the two Japanese hostages unless a $200mn (£133mn) ransom was paid.
Japanese news organisation NHK said the government in Tokyo was last night looking to establish the authenticity of a new video in which hostage Kenji Goto Jogo stated that his fellow captive had been executed.
The latest footage shows a still image of Goto, 47, with him apparently holding a picture of a beheaded Yukawa, 42.
He speaks in English, blaming Japanese prime minister Abe for Yukawa's death, and telling his wife and family not to give up on him.
Tokyo has refused to say whether the government would pay the ransom but, like the UK, Japan is signed up to the G8's policy of not paying money to terrorists such as IS, also known as Isil.
Cameron said: "The reported brutal murder of Haruna Yukawa and the further threats made by Isil are yet another reminder of the murderous barbarity of these terrorists.
"My thoughts and prayers are with Yukawa's family. Britain stands in solidarity with the Japanese people at this difficult time and we will continue to offer the Japanese government all possible assistance.
"Japan is right to refuse to bow to terrorism. Britain strongly supports the firm stance Prime Minister Abe and his government have taken and we will continue to work with Japan and other partners around the world to promote peace and to build a safer, more secure future for our citizens."
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: "If confirmed, the brutal murder of Haruna Yukawa is a barbaric and despicable act.
"My thoughts are with the family as they come to terms with this terrible news.
"This only serves to underline the depravity of Isil: their brutality cannot be allowed to succeed."
Mr Abe told reporters that the release of the new message was "an outrageous and unforgivable act".
He added: "We demand their immediate release."
The hostages had appeared in videos wearing the same orange jumpsuits as those worn by captives in previous IS videos.
Jihadi John has also been present in a number of previous videos in which hostages were both threatened and killed.
British aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning and US journalists Steven Sotloff and James Foley have been beheaded in similar style footage.
British photojournalist John Cantlie has appeared in a number of propaganda videos released by IS, presenting documentary-style clips.
The previous video, released on Tuesday with a promise to execute the hostages unless the ransom was met within 72 hours, is thought to be the first time the group has made a specific demand for cash for hostages.
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