British counter-terrorism police issued an appeal for information regarding three London school girls suspected of travelling to areas controlled by Islamic State in Syria and Iraq via Turkey.
Photos were released by the Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) showing Shamima Begum, 15, Kadiza Sultana, 16, and a third unnamed girl travelling through Gatwick airport before they boarded a flight to Turkey.
Authorities posted a statement in the Metropolitan Police website, stating that the girls were last seen on the morning of February 17 at their East London homes.
The statement added that anyone who had seen the girls on their way or at the airport should immediately contact the police, explaining that “any piece of information, no matter how small, could help the UK or Turkish authorities locate them so they can be safely returned home to the UK.”
An appeal was issued by detectives for the girls to come home to their worried families and additionally published information on their appearances and clothing at the time of their disappearance.
“We are extremely concerned for the safety of these young girls and would urge anyone with information to come forward and speak to police. Our priority is the safe return of these girls to their families,” SO15 Commander Richard Walton said.
“We are reaching out to the girls using the Turkish media and social media in the hope that Shamima, Kadiza and their friend hear our messages, hear our concerns for their safety and have the courage to return now, back to their families who are so worried about them,” he added.
Parents of the missing girls told counter terrorism officers that the girls had provided them with viable reasons as to why they would leave the house that day. They then met at Gatwick airport and boarded a Turkish airlines flight to Istanbul. The flight landed at 6:40 pm local time, police confirmed.
Walton is hopeful the girls are still in Turkey, as it would be feasible to persuade them into returning home.
“If we are able to locate these girls whilst they are still in Turkey we have a good possibility of being able to bring them home to their families. Anyone with any information about where they are should call the incident room via the free phone Anti-Terrorist Hotline number on 0800 789 321.”
Details on the three girls have been released by authorities in hope of soliciting information on their whereabouts.
“It is an extremely dangerous place and we have seen reports of what life is like for them and how restricted their lives become. It is not uncommon for girls or women to be prevented from being allowed out of their houses or if allowed out, only when accompanied by a guardian,” Walton said.
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