Uber driver with "previous criminal violations" arrested over UK diplomat murder

It has been confirmed that an Uber driver  has been arrested in regards the murder of UK diplomat Rebecca Dykes in Beirut. A senior Lebanese security official has also confirmed that the driver had "previous criminal violations". 

The driver, a Lebanese national, is said to have already confessed to killing Ms Dykes whose body was found on Saturday morning by the side of a motorway leading into the Lebanese capital. The police are being helped by the controversial ride-hailing app in their investigations, according to a spokesperson from Uber.

"We are horrified by this senseless act of violence," they added. "Our hearts are with the victim and her family. We are working with authorities to assist their investigation in any way they can". 

According to Sky News a forensics officer from the Beirut area told the Associated Press news agency that Ms Dykes, who worked at the UK embassy, was strangled with a rope.

Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of death the official added.