Leeds man detained in anti-terror operation while on holiday in Turkey

A Leeds man who went to Syria to fight against the Islamic State terrorgroup has been arrested in Turkey.

Former soldier Joe Robinson, formerly of Accrington, Lancashire, was detained along with his girlfriend and her mother while the trio were on holiday.

He is understood to be accused of sharing material on social media from his time in Syria with Kurdish militia the the People's Protection Units of Syrian Kurdistan (YPG).

It has been reported the two women have since been released, but 23-year-old Mr Robinson remains in custody.

Mr Robinson fought alongside the YPG against terror group IS.

But Turkey is hostile to the YPG because of links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which is fighting for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey, The Kurdistan Solidarity Campaign said: "Unfortunately, Joe has gone onholiday to Turkey not realising the kind of state it has now become.

"Turkey unfortunately continues to criminalise the Kurdish question and hasjailed tens of thousands of Kurdish people, including elected MPs and mayors simply for peacefully campaigning for Kurdish rights.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the detention of a British national in Turkey and have requested consular access."