Syrian cleric found shot dead in London

A Syrian cleric who used to preach at a mosque in west London was found shot dead in a car, authorities here said.

According to police reports, Abdul Hadi Arwani was found in sitting position in a Volkswagen W Passat car on Tuesday with gunshot wounds to his chest, Mirror onlne reported.

The car was found at a street in Wembley, northwest London. Arwani was pronounced dead at the scene.

Born in Syria, Arwani was a former imam at the An-noor Masjid mosque in Acton, west London.

Known for his outspoken views, Arwani had recently complained of death threats, sources said.

Arwani was considered an authority on Islamic marriage contracts and divorce law, working mostly in London.

Police have launched an investigation into the killing.