Waheed Ahmed
Waheed Ahmed seen being deported back to the UK from Turkey Reuters

The son of a Labour councillor detained in Turkey on suspicion of attempting to illegally enter Syria has been arrested upon his return to the UK, accused of terrorism offences.

Waheed Ahmed, the son of Rochdale councillor Shakil Ahmed, was arrested at Birmingham Airport after being deported from Turkey.

He had been held in Hatay near the Syrian border since 1 April after flying out to Turkey to meet up with eight other members of his family.

The group of nine Brits are accused of attempting to cross over into the war-torn country, including four children.

Greater Manchester Police and the North West Counter Terrorism Unit have launched an investigation into why the group allegedly attempted to enter Syria.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Wiggett has said the primary concern was the "safety and welfare" of the children, aged one, three, eight and 11.

Rochdale Labour councillor Ahmed previously told how he "wanted his son to come home as soon as possible".

He added: "My son is a good Muslim and his loyalties belong to Britain, so I don't understand what he's doing there.

"If I thought for a second that he was in danger of being radicalised, I would have reported him to the authorities.

"He's studying a degree in politics and sociology at Manchester University and has a good future ahead of him."

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