One of nine Britons arrested trying to cross into Syria was son of Labour Councillor

ONE of the nine Britons who were arrested trying to cross illegally into Syria was the son of a Labour Councillor.

Islamic State bidGETTY

Nine Britons were examined after attempting to get into the Islamic State

Shakil Ahmed said he was "shocked, worried and extremely upset" to find out his son was one of those being held by Turkish authorities.

The Rochdale councillor said he thought his son had been in Birmingham on a work placement not in Turkey trying to cross into the war-torn country.

In a statement he said: "My son is a good Muslim and his loyalties belong to Britain, so I don't understand what he's doing there.

"If I thought for a second that he was in danger of being radicalised I would have reported him to the authorities.

"He's studying a degree in politics and sociology at Manchester University and has a good future ahead of him."

The group of nine Britons were arrested yesterday in the town of Reyhanli near the Syrian border.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announced today the group of Britons, who they have launched a probe into, were from Rochdale.

Officers said it was "concerning" why the family were trying to take "very young and vulnerable" children into such a "volatile and dangerous environment".

child Islamic StateGETTY

One of the children who was taken on bid to join Islamic State

My son is a good Muslim and his loyalties belong to Britain, so I don't understand what he's doing there

Rochdale councillor Shakil Ahmed

The group includes two women, aged 47 and 22, three men aged 24, 22 and 21, and four children aged one, three, eight and 11.

Pictures of the Britons, from the Lancashire town, were taken in the early hours of today after they had their fingerprints taken at a police station in the Hatay region of Turkey.

In one shot one of the arrested men appeared to be smiling as he was driven away, following a medical check up.

It is believed the Britons stayed at the Turkish station overnight after their arrest on the Turkey-Syria border yesterday and plans are in place for their return to the UK.

GMP said officers were trying to establish their reason for travelling to the Syrian border.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett said: "What is obviously concerning is why a family were seemingly attempting to take very young and vulnerable children into a warzone; such a volatile and dangerous environment is no place for them whatsoever."

The force said it had uncovered "no evidence whatsoever" of any imminent threat to the Rochdale community or elsewhere in the UK.

Detained British people arrive at hospital to undergo medical check upGETTY

Detained British people arrive at hospital to undergo medical check up

Mr Wiggett said: "One of our primary concerns is the safety and welfare of the young children and we are working with partners to ensure a full safeguarding strategy is in place upon their return to the UK.

"We are all working together to help identify vulnerable members of our society and intervene and engage them before it is too late.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibility to help us in our fight against extremism and prevent anyone thinking of travelling to Syria or other warzones from going.

"This is especially difficult for parents or people with close relationships with those people in question but it is these people who are most likely to spot the early signs of radicalisation.

"If anyone has any information about individuals or groups they think are a concern or vulnerable to radicalisation they can call us in complete and utter confidence."

Three British schoolgirls who fled to SyriaAP

The news comes after three British schoolgirls sparked a manhunt after they fled to Syria

GMP said their officers were working closely with Rochdale Borough Council and faith leaders as part of initiative to divert young Muslims away from terrorism and extremism.

The latest Britons to be detained follow three young men who were stopped at the Turkey-Syria border last month.

They were tracked down after police were given a tip-off about their alleged plan to enter the country.

A woman was also arrested at the border on a separate occasion last month.

Islamic State militants march in SyriaAP

Some 600 Britons have fled the UK to join militants in Syria or Iraq

It is estimated by the Metropolitan Police that 600 Britons have gone to Syria or Iraq to try to join militant groups.

This includes three British schoolgirls who sparked a manhunt after they fled from their homes to join the evil Islamic State (IS) terror group.

Kadiza Sultana, 16, Shamima Begum, 15, and Amira Abase, 15, are now believed to be living in the IS stronghold of Raqqa in Syria.

They fled to the country after travelling from the UK to Turkey.

It is understood they were following another 15-year-old girl who travelled there in December.

Around half of the Britons who fled to Syria or Iraq are believed to have returned to the UK.

Nine British Nationals Detained After Trying To Cross The Syrian Border

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