Help us catch potential terrorists before it's too late, say West Midlands Police

Speaking after the jailing of Nahin Ahmed and Yusuf Sarwar in the first case of its kind in the region, Detective Chief Superintendent Sue Southern said: "This case typifies the challenges both police and families are facing when it comes to young people being influenced to join the conflict in Syria or Iraq.

"These two men had no previous connections to extremist organisations and no police record. They were not known to us.

"However, one of them was clearly being influenced by extremists he was talking to online and he in turn was radicalising his friend. They both deceived their families and by the time we were contacted serious offences had already been committed. We had no choice but to arrest and charge the pair on their return."

Det Ch Supt Southern added: "As hard as it might be for families, it is vital they come forward and report concerns to us as soon as possible.

"Police and other agencies can offer support to help safeguard those who are vulnerable to radicalisers. The sooner we can intervene the better chance we have of preventing young people from becoming embroiled in the conflict and facing potential prosecution."

The officer is also warning shoppers and store chiefs to be on their guard against possible terrorist attacks in the West Midlands and Staffordshire during the run up to Christmas.

"We need everyone to be vigilant."

Childhood friends Ahmed and Sarwar, from Birmingham, fled to Syria in May last year after contacting Islamic extremists.The men, both 22, were arrested on their return to the UK in January and pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorism acts contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act.

They were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court in London yesterday to 12 years and eight months in prison with an extended licence period of five years.