LONDON -- Three British teenagers who were stopped and arrested in Turkey while attempting to travel to Syria have been returned to the UK and released on bail.
Two boys aged 17 from north west London and a man aged 19 were flown back Saturday night, according to the Metropolitan Police. The trio were arrested by officers from the Metropolitan Police's Counter Terrorism Command (CTC) on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts.
Officers alerted the Turkish authorities who intercepted all three of them. They were acting on a tip-off from the younger teenagers' parents, according to reports.
Three males arrested Sat 14/3 on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts have been bailed. http://t.co/LuRLDwLmga— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 15, 2015
The three individuals had flown to Istanbul from Barcelona, a Turkish official told the BBC. They were stopped at Istanbul's Sabiha Gokcen airport.
"This is a good and a clear example of how the security cooperation between Western intelligence agencies and Turkey should work," the official said.
Last month, Turkish officials criticised UK police for a lack of communication when three London schoolgirls passed through Turkey en route to Syria to join Islamic State (ISIS). 15-year-olds Shamima Begum and Amira Abasa and 16-year-old Kadiza Sultana are believed to have crossed over the border into Syria.
Turkey's deputy prime minister Bulent Arinc attacked Britain for a lack of communication at the time.
"It is a condemnable act for Britain to let three girls ... come to Istanbul and then let us know three days later," he said. "They haven't taken the necessary measures."
Police launched a new counter terrorism campaign Monday aiming to help families to prevent more young people travelling to Syria.
Focussing on mothers and their daughters, the adverts aim to encourage "open discussions about issues such as travelling to Syria and what they are viewing online."
Police launch next phase of counter terrorism campaign to prevent tragedies http://t.co/18EgtlGUwf pic.twitter.com/VFpGyWl9d7— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) March 16, 2015
"In the last year, 22 women and girls have been reported missing to police by families who feared they have travelled to Syria, putting them in serious danger and leaving their families devastated," the campaign says.
"By encouraging mothers to have an open dialogue with their daughters, it is hoped that potential interest in travelling to Syria will be picked up at an early stage and that the mother will be able to take action, either by challenging the misconceptions or seeking help from other agencies, including the police."
Specially trained officers are on standby for help and advice by calling 101 or visiting the website.
Another 18-year-old man was arrested at his Birmingham home Monday on suspicion of preparing to travel to Syria to join ISIS. He was detained at around 7 a.m. after a pre-planned operation.