A British family of 12 who went missing have joined Islamic State and feel safer than they ever have, according to a statement purportedly issued on their behalf.
The statement, sent to the BBC by a member of Isis, rejected claims that the Mannan family, who have not been seen since 17 May, had been kidnapped and forced to join the extremist group.
The BBC said it could not verify whether the statement is genuine.
“We say to those that are concerned for our safety to put your hearts at rest for we feel safer than we have ever felt before,” it read.
The statement is accompanied by two photos purportedly of family member Muhammed Abdul Mannan, 75, which have not been independently verified.
He and his wife, Minera Khatun, 53, went missing, with their daughter, Rajia Khanom, 21, and sons Mohammed Zayd Hussain, 25, Mohammed Toufique Hussain, 19, Mohammed Abil Kashem Saker, 31, and Mohammed Saleh Hussain, 26.
Police said the family flew to Bangladesh on 10 April and then to Istanbul on 11 May. They were due to return three days later but failed to return.
The family was reported missing to police by two sons, understood to be Mannan’s from a previous marriage, who live in Luton.
Khanom had links to banned Islamist group al-Muhajiroun, which had members in Luton.
