Woman Held 'Trying To Reach Syria' With Children

A 30-year-old woman has been arrested at Birmingham Airport on suspicion of preparing to travel to Syria for terrorist acts.

The Leicester woman was travelling with three children when she was stopped by West Midlands Police Counter Terrorism Unit this morning.

Police said her home and another address are being searched and that they are working with partner agencies to make sure the children are looked after.

Officers have 36 hours to question the suspect before charging or releasing her, or applying to a court for a warrant of further detention.

Police and security services believe at least 700 peoiple have travelled to Syria to join Islamist extremists - with around half thought to have returned to the UK.

Earlier this month it was reported that several members of the same family from Luton, including three children, were feared to have travelled to Syria after a holiday in Bangladesh.