Foreign Office investigates reports of Britons among Islamist kidnappers of journalists in Syria

The camp members also reportedly included people from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Chechnya, with no Syrians present. The source added that “round 40 per cent” of them apparently spoke English, although it was not clear what nationalities they were.

The possibility of British nationals or residents being present among the group will be of concern to the Government, which has done much in recent years to try to stop British-born Asians and Arabs enlisting with foreign jihadist movements.

The reports come amid growing concern that groups of Sunni extremists and al-Qaeda factions are attempting to join the rebel movement in Syria.

Speaking to Dutch media, Mr Oerlemans said that he and Mr Cantlie spent much of their time blindfolded. He told the NRC Handelsblatt newspaper: “One of the black jihadists freaked out and shouted: ‘These are journalists and now they will see we are preparing an international jihad in this place.'”

The group accused them of being spies, and considered holding them for ransom, said Mr Oerlemans. He added: “As soon as Assad has fallen, these fighters want to introduce Islamic law, Sharia, in Syria.”

Mr Cantlie and Mr Jeroen, who were lightly wounded in the arm and hip respectively, are now understood to be returning home.

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