43 missing British women, girls believed to be in Syria: police

A total of 43 British women and girls reported missing by their families in the last 12 months are believed to have traveled to Syria, British counter terrorism authorities said Tuesday.

The Metropolitan Police on Tuesday launched a radio campaign to urge mothers to talk to their daughters about the dangers of traveling to Syria.

"Syria is an extremely dangerous place - the reality of life there is far from the image that terrorist groups actively promote to young women here in the UK. Families and communities are terrified that their daughters may be lured into traveling there," said Helen Ball, deputy assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

"Stories of families who have suffered the devastating consequences of loved ones travelling to Syria are sadly becoming more common. These are young women who are highly unlikely ever to have the option of returning home", added Ball, who is also the senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing.

This is the second time the radio adverts are being aired, following a similar campaign in March. They will feature on minority ethnic radio stations across the country for two weeks, the Metropolitan Police said. Endit