DETECTIVES fear Slough residents have left the town to join Syria’s bitter civil war - with a 'serious risk’ of them becoming radicalised and joining terrorist training.

Observer sources also claim police told councillors at a private briefing concerning terrorism on Tuesday that three people from the town have gone to fight in Syria.

Police say there are serious concerns nationally, and they believe people from Slough could have travelled to the region for terrorist training.

One source at the meeting, who did not want to be named, told The Observer: “We were told at least two, possibly three people, have gone off to Syria and may well come back radicalised and waiting to commit terrorist acts.” The briefing on Tuesday was closed to the public and press. It was for police and the council to discuss all forms of radical views and terrorism - issues that 'may affect Slough’ - with councillors.

Superintendent Simon Bowden, who spoke at the meeting, said on Wednesday: “Nationally there are serious concerns about the number of British citizens travelling to Syria to engage in the conflict.

“As such, we believe that there may well be people from the Slough area who have travelled to this region, where their lives will be placed in danger and there is a serious risk of radicalisation and terrorist training. “We are keen to prevent young and vulnerable people becoming involved in travel to Syria. We would urge anyone who is worried about relatives or friends that they believe to be susceptible to, or involved in, this sort of activity to get in touch with us and help us prevent tragedies.” Full story in today's Observer