Families plead for ‘IS girls’ to return

Relatives of three missing British schoolgirls believed to have fled to Syria to join Islamic State have pleaded for them to return home.

Police are urgently trying to trace Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and 15-year-old Amira Abase after they flew to Istanbul in Turkey from Gatwick Airport on Tuesday.

The girls, who are all from east London, are pupils at Bethnal Green Academy school and have been described as “straight A students”.

In a statement, Amira’s family said: “Amira, We miss you so much, everyone, your family and your friends.

“We want you to come home as soon as possible. All we are hoping for is you to come home safe, we love you so much. Please come home Amira, everyone is missing you. You are strong, smart, beautiful and we are hoping you will make the right decision.

In a direct message to Shamima, her family said they understood she had “strong feelings” about people she believed were suffering in war-torn Syria but warned it was a “dangerous place”.

In a statement, they said: “We miss you terribly and are extremely worried about you. Please, if you hear this message, get in touch and let us know you are safe. We want you home with us. You belong at home with us.

“Syria is a dangerous place and we don’t want you to go there. Get in touch with the police and they will help to bring you home. You are not in any trouble.

Meanwhile, Kadiza’s family said they were “completely distressed” and were praying for the girls’ safe return.

In a statement, they said: “Our dearest Kadiza and the two friends accompanying you, we, together, sincerely pray and hope this message reaches you. We pray that no harm comes to you, and you are all safe and in good health.

Scotland Yard says the three missing girls were previously spoken to by officers investigating the disappearance of a fellow pupil, a 15-year-old girl, who fled to Syria in December.