Counter-terrorism police arrest woman at Birmingham airport on suspicion of 'travelling to Syria to engage in terrorism'

The 30-year-old woman from Leicester was travelling with three children

The 30-year-old woman was travelling with three children (Getty)

A 30-year-old woman has been arrested at Birmingham Airport by Counter Terrorism police on suspicion of travelling to Syria to engage in terrorist acts. She was travelling with three children.

The woman, from Leicester, was arrested by officers from the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit at 9:40am, police said.

Her home and a second address she has been associated with is being searched by police.

Police said they have been working with partner agencies to ensure the welfare of the three children is safeguarded.

The woman was arrested under section five of the Terrorism Act on suspicion of preparing to travel overseas to engage in terrorist acts.

Anti-terror officers now have a maximum of 36 hours to question the suspect before charging or releasing her, or applying to a court for a warrant of further detention.