What you need to know about the man identified as Jihadi John

"Jihadi John", the Isis militant who has been filmed on camera beheading numerous hostages, has been named in reports as Mohammed Emwazi from west London.

In an exclusive expose, the Washington Post reveals they have spoken to several of Emwazi's friends and relatives who have confirmed his identity.

I have no doubt that Mohammed is Jihadi John. He was like a brother to me. . . . I am sure it is him.

• A close friend, speaking to the Washington Post

The Kuwaiti-born Emwazi is said to be from a well-to-do family, in his mid-20s and graduated from the University of Westminster with a degree in computer science.

It is alleged that he travelled to Syria in 2012. He only became notorious last year after appearing in several propaganda videos with his masked face and distinct London accent.

The newspaper reports that he was one of two British men illegally interrogated by MI5 after going on safari in Tanzania in 2010. A report in the Independent at the time named him as Muhammad ibn Muazzam.

It is also thought he was detained by British security officials in 2010, fingerprinting him and searching his belongings.

A spokesperson for the government told the Independent that they would neither confirm nor deny his identity.

More: Isis fighter 'Jihadi John' named as Mohammed Emwazi from west London