UK jihadists were traded by Turkey for hostages

Hisham Folkard and Shabazz Suleman: thought to be among up to 180 fighters traded with Isis
Hisham Folkard and Shabazz Suleman: thought to be among up to 180 fighters traded with Isis

Two British jihadists are understood to have been among scores of militant prisoners handed back to Islamic State by Turkey in return for the release of diplomats held by the group.

British counter-terrorism officers are investigating Shabazz Suleman, 18, a grammar school pupil, and Hisham Folkard, 26. They are thought to be among as many as 180 fighters traded with Isis as part of a deal to secure the release of Turkish consular staff.

The diplomats, including 46 Turkish citizens and three local Iraqi staff, were captured five months ago when Isis stormed the Iraqi city of Mosul.

The Britons were on a leaked list of names passed to The Times and confirmed by Isis sources. Details of the secret deal, which included ten EU