Missing UK girls ‘now in Syria’

Three girls feared to be intent on joining Islamic State (IS) have crossed into Syria from Turkey, British police believe.

Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and 15-year-old Amira Abase sparked a police hunt after they flew to Istanbul from Gatwick Airport last Tuesday.

Last night Scotland Yard said counter-terrorism officers leading the investigation “now have reason to believe that they are no longer in Turkey and have crossed into Syria”.

A spokesman added: “Officers continue to work closely with the Turkish authorities on this investigation.”

Earlier police denied claims that they failed to contact Turkish authorities about the three girls.

Turkish deputy prime minister Bulent Arinc told reporters British officials would be accountable should the search prove fruitless because of a three-day delay in alerting the country.

But Scotland Yard yesterday said they began working with Turkish authorities the day after the first two teenagers were reported missing a week ago.

Earlier, the girls’ headteacher said he was “shocked and saddened” by their disappearance, but said police had not found evidence they were radicalised at school.