MURDER OF RIYADH’S NO1 CRITIC

clothes he wore when he entered the consulate.

It is thought his companion’s bag now contains Khashoggi’s clothes. The bag was thrown into a large bin.

Intelligence sources claim Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, oversaw the murder by giving orders over Skype.

Qahtani allegedly told his men to dispose of Khashoggi, and said: “Bring me the head of the dog.”

Qahtani and four other officials have reportedly been sacked over the killing.

The Crown Prince reportedly phoned Khashoggi shortly before the murder.

It is said the leader tried to convince the writer to return to Saudi Arabia, but he refused over fears he would be killed.

Officials deny he was involved in the murder, blaming a “rogue operation”. Yesterday footage emerged allegedly showing Saudi officials burning documents relating to the journalist at the consulate a day after Khashoggi vanished. But a Saudi source repeated claims he died after being placed in a “choke hold” during a fist-fight.

Our sources were told by security experts that Saudi spies were plotting for months to kidnap Khashoggi and take him to the capital Riyadh for “questioning and as a message to other opponents”.

Over the weekend, Saudi diplomat Adel al-Jubeir described the death as a “murder” and a “tremendous mistake.”

The UK, Germany and France have issued a joint statement condemning the killing. Donald Trump said he is still “unsatisfied” – but did not want to lose investment from the kingdom.