A British radio presenter who had been living in Lebanon for a number of years has been found dead in his apartment in a mountain town near Beirut after being apparently murdered, Lebanese officials said.

Gavin Ford’s death led to an outpouring of shock and sadness on social media by people who followed his popular morning programme on Lebanon’s Radio One station.

The 53-year-old had worked for the station since the 1990s, gaining a large number of fans in Lebanon.

One official said Ford’s body was found on Tuesday morning but refused to provide further details about the killing.

Another official confirmed Ford was strangled and said security agents are questioning his neighbours for details about who visited him in recent days.

Ford’s apartment is in the town of Beit Mery, east of Beirut.

He celebrated his birthday on Monday, according to his Facebook page, which was filled with posts of people grieving his death.

“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear Gavin Ford, a member of our team for many joyful years,” Radio One posted on its Facebook page.

Britain’s ambassador to Lebanon, Chris Rampling, tweeted: “I am shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Gavin Ford, one of Lebanon’s most popular morning breakfast hosts.

“The thoughts of all at the Embassy are with his family, friends and colleagues at this terribly difficult time.”

In December, British embassy worker Rebecca Dykes was found dead on the side of a road near Beirut.

The suspected killer, an Uber driver, was later detained and is expected to stand trial.