Kidnapped war reporter James Foley kneels down and awaits his death at the hands of a masked terrorist.

Islamic State released the horrific footage last night of a jihadist, who spoke with a southern English accent, apparently beheading the American photojournalist.

The video, entitled A Message To America, was posted on YouTube in a warning to US President Barack Obama over air strikes against the ­militants in Iraq.

Before he was killed, Mr Foley, 40, was forced to read a statement that blamed America for his death.

The journalist said: “I call on my friends, family and loved ones to rise up against my real killers – the US government.

“For what will happen to me is only a result of their complacency and criminality.”

The terrorist then murdered him before placing his severed head on his back as he lay on the ground.

Then the killer grabbed a second prisoner, who was believed to be US journalist Steven Sotloff.

In a chilling warning, the terrorist said Mr Sotloff’s life “depends on Obama’s next decision”.

It was not immediately possible to verify the video’s authenticity or when and where it was filmed.

Mr Foley, 40, was taken hostage while covering the Syrian war in November 2012.

During the video, he also spoke directly to his brother John – a member of the US Air Force.

He told John he should “think about who made the decision to bomb Iraq” when looking for someone to blame for his death.

Mr Foley continued: “ I died that day, John. When your colleagues dropped that bomb on those people they signed my death certificate.

“I wish I had more time. I wish I could have the hope of freedom and seeing my family once again.

“But that ship has sailed. I guess all in all I wish I wasn’t American.”

After Mr Foley had finished speaking, the fighter, brandishing a large knife, addressed the camera directly in a warning to Mr Obama.

He said: “So any attempt by you, Obama, to deny the Muslims their rights of living in safety under the Islamic caliphate will result in the bloodshed of your people.”

A Twitter account set up by Mr Foley’s family to help find him said late last night: “We know that many of you are looking for confirmation or answers. Please be patient until we all have more information, and keep the Foleys in your thoughts and prayers.”

US intelligence sources were working to verify the video, which was removed from YouTube shortly after it appeared.

The horror came after ex-SAS hero Chris Ryan said UK special forces must wipe out British jihadis fighting in Iraq.