Mum and dad sent money to Syria so that son could buy glasses
The parents of a British man, who purportedly travelled to Syria to join Daesh, have revealed they were arrested by police.
Jack Letts, 20, from Oxford, who has been labelled ‘Jihadi Jack’ by some media outlets has OCD, a severe mental health disability.
It is reported that he left the UK to join the militant group when he was 18 and now goes by the name Ibrahim or Abu Muhammed.
John and Sally Letts told Channel 4 News they were arrested after they sent him money for new glasses and food.
Thames Valley Police confirmed it had made two arrests. A spokesman said: “A 55-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman from Oxford, were arrested on suspicions of sending money to Syria, which could be used for terrorism purposes… and were bailed until 17th February.”
His parents said Jack had converted to Islam but dismissed the claims that he had joined Daesh as ‘false’ and said he travelled to the region for humanitarian reasons.
Mr Letts said to BBC news: “I think it’s crazy that we can’t send a penny… to help him because we’ll be seen as supporting terrorism.”
Mrs Letts added: “It’s the worst feeling in the world. You feel completely helpless. Your child’s out there, they have no support, they’re still reliant on you, he’s sending desperate messages to us saying it’s cold, or he doesn’t have food.”
The South East Counter Terrorism Unit (Sectu) said it was aware of the recent media reports and was investigating.
“This investigation began in March 2015 and is ongoing,” Sectu added.
“We are unable to comment [on] any specifics… but would like to say that anyone who knows of someone who may be potentially vulnerable to being drawn into terrorist-related activity, including travelling abroad to conflict zones, should contact local police.”
