These were the scenes in Amman as the news on State TV broke that Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh had been killed by ISIL militants.

The government confirmed that the 26-year-old First Lieutenant who was captured after his F16 crashed in the ISIL stronghold of Raqqa Syria, was killed one month ago.

Supporters of the Islamist group circulated photos on social media of a video which purportedly shows a man burning in a cage, though it is yet to be independently verified.

The insurgents had been calling for the release of Sajida al-Rishawi who is on death row in Amman in exchange for his life.

The Head of the Jordanian armed forces has apparently informed the family of his death.

The US said that if the video is real it would be another sign of the viciousness and barbarity of the militant group, adding it would strengthen the resolve of the international coalition.

The pilot’s fate had gripped the nation and provoked protersts against the King over the government’s handling