US authorities impose sanctions on Briton after naming him as member of IS cell

United States authorities have imposed sanctions on Briton Alexanda Kotey after officially naming him as a member of the Islamic State terror cell nicknamed The Beatles.

The US State Department said Kotey, 33, from Paddington, London, is one of four members of a group that beheaded around two dozen hostages, including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Authorities believe he acted as an IS recruiter who carried out torture for the group, including electronic shock and waterboarding.