West Midlands counter terrorism unit has visited and written to nurseries asking staff to monitor signs of brainwashing by Islamist extremists

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WEST Midlands anti-terror police are monitoring children as young as four for signs of brainwashing by Islamist extremists, it was revealed today.

The shock move was disclosed after a sergeant in the forces Counter Terrorism Unit sent an email to community groups and schools asking them to keep an eye on young children.

The leaked memo said: “I do hope that you will tell me about persons, of whatever age, you think may have been radicalised or be vulnerable to radicalisation.

“Evidence suggests that radicalisation can take place from the age of four.”

The warnings and school visits are part of the Government’s anti-extremism strategy, called Prevent.

Birmingham Perry Barr MP, Khalid Mahmood, said: “I have not heard that radicalisation is happening at this age, but if it is I think it’s disgraceful.

“We should clamp down on anybody that is trying to divert young children towards any form of extremism.

“I know there are people in our communities with very strange notions.

“They are actively trying to divert some younger people toward extremism at college and university ages.

“It is certainly possible that the same people are trying just as hard with much younger children.

“I think we need to concentrate all of our efforts towards the individuals who are trying to indoctrinate the youngsters.

“We need to protect our children of all ages. If the police and security services are aware of this then they should be going after the perpetrators, so that they can be dealt with and the children can be protected.

“The security services are doing a phenomenal job at protecting us but communities need to come forward too.

“If anybody knows that this is happening to a friend or a relative then they should come forward and speak up. It is up to the communities here in Birmingham to contact the police and the security services.”

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said officers had visited a nursery school.

He added: “We have been trying to bring counter terrorism work out of the shadows.

“It can cause consternation when a policeman introduces himself as a counter terrorist officer.

“But we are actually trying to get over the accusation that Prevent is about spying by being more open and we are reaping the benefits now with better engagement.”