Extremists are 'grooming' female students, security officials warn

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Security services have flagged them up as a new group posing a threat to Britain.

They are urging universities to help stamp out "grooming" on campus and to report any potentially illegal activity.

Women have not previously been flagged as a major risk.

But the guidance to universities, which provides potential characteristics of extremists and how they are targeted by radical groups, says: "There is no single profile of those most susceptible to these factors but they are likely to be young (generally younger than 30) and male (although the number of women who support and participate in violent extremism is increasing)."

It adds: "Different categories of students may be affected.

"These are those who quite rightly are keen to explore the wider issues of their faith; those who may be actively looking for extremist individuals with whom to associate; those who may be new to a university or college environment and vulnerable to "grooming."

Higher Education Minister Bill Rammell said the threat from extremists in universities was "serious but not widespread."