Father of teenage jihadist arrested in Turkey works in Ministry of Defence post office and has access to personal details of all British military personnel

The father of one of three teenagers arrested in Turkey on suspicion of trying to join Islamic State fighters in Syria works for the Ministry of Defence, it has been revealed. The three teenagers were brought back to Britain where they were questioned at a high-security London police station on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism, before being released on bail. 

The man, who is employed in the military’s post office, was put on compassionate leave by the MoD, which considered suspending him, sources said.His security clearance could potentially be reviewed as a result of what happened even though he is not suspected on any wrongdoing.

As a member of the postal staff, the father could have had access to the names and addresses of all British military personnel at home and overseas, one defence source said.  Isis regards anyone who works in the armed forces as a legitimate target.

The MoD declined to comment.