Australian nurse arrested over IS connections

Sydney

An Australian nurse who allegedly worked alongside Islamic State militants has been arrested after voluntarily returning from Syria, police said Saturday. 

The Melbourne-based father-of-five, widely named as Islamic convert Adam Brookman, surrendered to Turkish officials earlier this week ahead of his arrival in Sydney late Friday. 

"A 39-year-old Australian national was arrested upon arrival at Sydney International Airport last night on an interstate arrest warrant, relating to his alleged involvement in the conflict in Syria," federal police said in a statement.

"The man voluntarily surrendered himself to Turkish officials in Turkey on Tuesday, July 21.  

"His travel back to Australia was negotiated between the individual, the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, other Commonwealth government agencies and international partners."

The man appeared via video link in Sydney's Parramatta Bail Court Saturday where a magistrate granted his extradition to Victoria state, where he is wanted for questioning by the Melbourne joint counter-terrorism team. 

No charges have yet been laid, although the Australian government has been vocal on insisting that anyone found to be engaged in terrorist activities would face the full force of the law.

Canberra's rhetoric has been stepped up in recent months as fears grow about the number of Australians fighting with jihadist groups and concern about the threat at home from radicalised individuals.