A Kurdish teenager from Haringey seen demonstrating against Britain’s stance on Kobane is reported to have travelled to the region to fight IS militants.
Şilan Özçelik, 17, took a Eurostar train from St Pancras International station with a male friend and travelled to Europe on 27 October, according to the local Kurdish Community Association.
Arman Banirad, head of the association, told the Evening Standard: “Silhan has disappeared and was last seen in Belgium that is all we know. She is a reserved person but very political and educated and took part in a demonstration in Westminster.
“Everyone is obviously worried about her. She is a very good strong person and we are hoping she is safe and well.”
Police officers are now attempting to establish whether Şilan will attempt to join the Kurdish YPJ, also known as the Women’s Protection Unit, or whether she plans to help the humanitarian effort in the embattled border town of Kobani
Scotland Yard is currently appealing for information to help trace the teenager, who has been missing since 27 October.
Police have been handing out leaflets locally, but have not yet launched a wider public appeal.
The Home Office has warned against travelling to the war-torn country and said anyone who did so was putting themselves in “considerable danger”.
A spokeswoman said: “The best way to help the people of these countries is to donate to registered charities that have ongoing relief operations, not by taking part in a conflict overseas, which can be an offence under both criminal and terror laws.”
“A Counter-Terrorism Bill will be introduced later this week, which will include new powers to control the return of and impose strict conditions on British nationals we suspect have been involved in terrorist activity abroad.”
