Two arrested at Heathrow over Syria 'terror': Teenager on way to war zone held while 20-year-old Briton suspected of funding jihad detained as he returns to Britain

• Officers have also searched a flat in Camden as part of the investigation
• Scotland Yard said the arrest is not in response to an imminent threat 
• Counter-terror police arrest 20-year-old Briton arriving at Heathrow
• Man suspected of providing money or equipment to Syrian jihadists 

Counter-terrorism police have arrested two men suspected of involvement in the Syrian insurgency at Heathrow Airport in separate operations. 

The men, aged 19 and 20, are being held in separate South London police stations where they are being questioned by anti terrorism officers. 

Police arrested the teenager under suspicion that he was travelling to Syria to take part in the insurgency. 

+2

Operation: Counter-terrorism police at Heathrow Airport have arrested a 19-year-old man who is believed to have been on his way to Syria (file picture)

The teenager is not understood to be British was arrested before he boarded the aircraft. 

Officers have also searched a flat in Camden, London, as part of the the investigation.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: 'Officers from the MPS Counter Terrorism Command, SO15, have today arrested a 19 year-old man at Heathrow on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism (Terrorism Act 2006).

'Officers have searched an address in Camden. The arrested man remains in custody at a police station in south London. Enquiries continue.'

The arrest is not in response to any immediate risk or threat.

Counter terrorism made a second arrest later, detaining a 20-year-old British national as he arrived at Heathrow Airport.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed that the second man was arrested under suspicion of sending money or property overseas for the purposes of assisting in terrorism in Syria.

A spokesperson said: 'Investigations are ongoing at present. The two arrests are not being linked at the moment.' 

Earlier this month a Muslim who ran a scheme to prevent violent extremism yesterday became the first Briton to be found guilty of travelling to Syria to fight in the civil war.

Police said the conviction of Mashudur Choudhury, 31, was likely to pave the way for others returning from the fighting to be prosecuted.

+2

Security risk: Scotland Yard said the arrest was not related to any imminent threat

Last week Syrian rebel commander Brigadier-General Abdulellah al-Basheer said British jihadists make up the largest foreign contingent of one of the most violent terrorist groups, now infamous for beheading, crucifying and stoning to death enemies.

Almost two out of three of The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters are foreign-born and have chosen to join a group bent on creating an Islamic state in the war-torn country and Iraq.

Yesterday Syrian rebels blew up a tunnel packed with explosives in the northern city of Aleppo, killing at least 20 pro-government fighters, activists and rebels said.