'Beatle' terror suspect's family 'deeply distressed' at reports of IS link

The family of a British man alleged to be a member of the Islamic State (IS) terror cell dubbed "The Beatles" say they "are deeply distressed" at the claims.

Alexanda Kotey has been named in press reports as a key conspirator with Mohammed Emwazi - the killer more commonly known as Jihadi John and seen on IS videos murdering Western hostages.

In a statement to the Press Association, Kotey's family said: "The Kotey family are deeply distressed about recent media reports involving Alexe. They have not seen Alexe for a number of years.

"They would ask the media to respect their privacy and to desist from attempting to contact them, and not to seek to take or publish any photographs of them.

"They would like to make it clear they will not be commenting any further on this matter."