UK: British Muslim couple headed for Syria with their children returned to the UK

A British Muslim couple, who were believed to be travelling to Syria with their four young children, have returned to the UK.

Asif Malik, 31 and his partner Sara Kiran, 29, from Slough, Berkshire, were seen boarding a ferry from Dover to Calais with their children on 8 April.

Police say the couple left their home without mentioning any holiday or travel plans to their relatives.

Concerns were raised about the family leaving for Syria after photos emerged of Malik waving a flag in support of at a demonstration in London last year.

Malik, a member of the banned UK extremist group al-Muhajiroun, was seen holding a pro-Isis sign at a protest against the arrest of hate preacher Omar Bakri Muhammad in May last year. The poster reads "Islamic State Is Solution", with the first letter of each word highlighted.

Controversial Muslim cleric Anjem Choudary previously confirmed Malik had been a member of proscribed group, and described him as a prominent member of the Muslim community. He had previously told his family he wanted to "go and live in a Muslim country".

Following a police appeal, the couple were arrested and held in Turkey.

At a hearing at the Family Court, Sir James Munby said the children, Zoha, 7, and three sons Essa, 4, Zakariya, 2, and 1-year-old Yhaya had been made wards of court following the proceedings.

He added that the family are safe and well and are now being supported by social care staff while police inquiries were continuing.

"The Malik family has returned to the jurisdiction of England and Wales," said Sir James. "The family is safe and well. The children are wards of court and the family continues to be supported by appropriate social care services, whilst the family court continues to ensure the welfare of the children in co-operation with their parents."