UK parents of missing ‘Syria-bound’ girl make emotional plea for return

The parents of a UK schoolgirl who is thought to have fled to Syria after becoming radicalised have appealed for her to return. The mother and father of Yusra Hussien said they were growing increasingly concerned for their 15-year-old daughter, who has been missing for a week. Yusra, from Bristol, is believed to have met up with a 17-year-old girl from London and travelled to Turkey and the pair are thought to be trying to cross the border into Syria, where Islamic State militants have taken control of large swathes of territory.

Yusra we are missing you, if you are watching this please contact us, you are not in trouble and we are not angry with you. We just want you back home with us.

Yusra Hussien’s parents Mohammed and Safiya, speaking at a press conference

The Hussiens, speaking at a press conference, said there was no concrete evidence to support speculation their daughter was travelling to Syria, was an extremist or had plans to become a jihadist bride. They also made individual appeals to their daughter. Family friends of Yusra have described her as an aspiring dentist and grade A* student who was devoted to her education. However, they said she had recently become tied to her mobile phone and computer after apparently viewing extremist material on chat rooms and forums online.

Our family is very heartbroken and we are struggling to come to terms with this situation. The pain that we as parents feel, at not knowing her safety, is very distressing, and is something we believe every parent can relate to.

Yusra Hussien’s parents Mohammed and Safiya

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