Missing Luton family: 'We have joined Islamic State'

A British family of 12 from Luton believed to have fled to Syria have joined Islamic State, according to a statement said to be released on their behalf.

In a so-called press release on an Islamic State website, the family confirmed "indeed we are in the Islamic State" and said "we feel safer than we have ever felt before."

Muhammed Abdul Mannan, 75, his wife Minera Khatun, 53, and members of their extended family have not been seen since 17 May after they visited their home country of Bangladesh.

The family was quotes as attacking "the so called freedom and democracy that was forced down our throat in the attempt to brainwash Muslims to forget about their powerful and glorious past and now present."

Photographs showing Mr Mannan and his wife in a niqab were released along with the statement.

ITV News has not been able to independently verify the statement.