RADIO adverts aimed at encouraging mothers to speak to their daughters about visiting Syria will be aired in Bolton.

Adverts will also appear in minority ethnic newspapers and magazines across the country as the National Police Counter Terrorism Network attempt to tackle the problem.

The awareness campaign encourages mothers to have open discussions with their daughters about whether they are considering travelling to the conflict zone and what they are viewing online.

Last week, new footage emerged of three schoolgirls who sparked a police hunt after they went missing last month to join Islamic State in Syria.

A video obtained by the BBC appears to show Shamima Begum, aged 15, Kadiza Sultana, aged 16, and 15-year-old Amira Abase preparing to cross the border from Turkey into Syria.

In July last year it was reported 16-year-old twins Salma and Zahra Halane, from Chorlton, had married ISIS fighters three weeks after travelling to Syria.

Det Ch Supt Tony Mole, head of the North West Counter Terrorism Unit, said: “We want to prevent families from being torn apart by seeing their loved ones travel to Syria.

“It is the changes in behaviour that parents should look out for, especially when it comes to internet safety.

“We want to make sure that concerned parents feel they can speak to the police who can put them in touch with the right agencies who can offer advice without them feeling their child is under investigation.”

In the last year 22 women and girls have been reported missing to police by families who fear they have gone to Syria – putting them in serious danger.

By encouraging mothers to have an open dialogue with their daughters it is hoped any potential interest in travelling to Syria will be picked up early so parents can take action.

The campaign recognises it is often mothers who first spot changes in behaviour in their children.

For more information or help, call police on 101 or go to preventtragedies.co.uk – a new website designed as a "one stop shop" for concerned families.