THE North East Counter Terrorism Unit is aware that some British nationals are travelling to the Middle East from Yorkshire, but stressed the problem is not specific to a particular area.

“We do know that some of those travelling are from Yorkshire. However, we would not provide a breakdown of how many there are or where they are from,” a spokesman said.

“While these people may be travelling for a variety of reasons, travel to the Middle East for any purpose is extremely unsafe and strongly discouraged.

“Anyone who is concerned about a friend or loved one who is planning to travel should come forward and speak to police.

“You can call local police on 101 and they’ll talk with you in confidence.

“People can help those in the Middle East safely and legally by donating to UK registered charities with ongoing relief operations.

“The Charity Commission’s website should be used to check that a charity is registered and that donations will be used properly at charity-commission.gov.uk.”

The latest figures released by national counter-terrorism police show a significant increase in Syria-related arrest figures for 2014 compared to the previous year.

A total of 165 arrests were made by officers across the country for suspected offences including terrorist financing, commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and attending a terrorist training camp.

This compares to 25 Syria-related arrests for the whole of 2013.

Of the 165 arrested, 64 have so far been charged and are appearing before courts up and down the country.

The number of arrests for terrorist offences totalled 327 in 2014, a 32 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

Helen Ball, senior National Co-ordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing, said: “Last year’s arrest figures demonstrate a considerable increase in volume, range and pace of counter-terrorism activity in the UK.

“We have been running exceptionally-high numbers of investigations, the likes of which we have not seen for many years.

“Several attack plots have been disrupted, of various sophistication; from individuals planning to carry out lone attacks to more complex conspiracies, the majority seemingly directed by or inspired by terrorism overseas.

“The partnership between police and MI5 is very effective, and we are experiencing very strong support from the communities.

“We will continue with this vital work to protect and work with the UK public to combat terrorism in all its forms.”