British businessman threatened to shoot four hostages in synagogue unless FBI released al-Qaeda prisoner

A businessman from Blackburn, Lancashire took four people hostage at a synagogue in Texas before demanding an al-Qaeda prisoner was released – or he was going to shoot them, an inquest heard.

Malik Faisal Akram fired a warning shot during a final call with the FBI and said he would “put a bullet” in the heads of the “Israeli mother******s”, the Preston inquest was told.

The 44-year-old demanded that a female Pakistani scientist named Aafia Siddiqui – who had links to al-Qaeda – was freed from jail.

Minutes later the synagogue was stormed by the FBI and Akram – who owed five pharmacies which have been closed down – was shot dead.

Coroner James Adeley recorded that he had “detained hostages and died after being shot by federal agents”.

In the months before his death, associates in Blackburn said he had become increasingly religious and had argued with his wider family.

He had spent time in Pakistan for much of the year before the attack.

More to follow…