THE father of a North-East medic who is alleged to have recruited at least 16 students for Isis has spoken of his family's "shame and embarrassment".

Mohammed Fakhri Al-Khabass, of Middlesbrough, persuaded Britons to head to Syria and join Islamic State while living in Sudan, it is claimed.

Al-Khabass began studying at University of Medical Sciences and Technology (UMST) in Khartoum, in 2008. He joined the university's Islamic Cultural Association and became president in 2011.

Although he gradated in 2013, it is believed Al-Khabass remained in the country and, according to the university "played a major role" in persuading two groups of Britons to travel from Sudan to Syria to join Isis this year.

Speaking from the family home in Middlesbrough, the medic's father Fakhri Al-Khabass, a retired NHS doctor in his 60s, said the family believed in peace, adding: "We are a hard working and loving family, one who has exactly the same views as everyone else about peace, love, life and death.

"Our family's position is one of shame and embarrassment."

He said it would be inappropriate to comment on his son as the family did not know the facts.

However, he added: "I have worked hard in my profession for years and I have done a lot for the community.

"I have helped a lot of people in the area that they are thankful for our family is integrated into society here. We will be speaking with the authorities."

The family are British Palestinian who have lived in Middlesbrough for more than 20 years.

Mohammed Fakhri Al-Khabass grew up with his two older brothers in the area.

Helen Wardle, 39, who lives next door, said: "They are a lovely family - I bet they are devastated. They keep themselves to themselves and you never see them much but when you do, they are always polite.

"When it was the Royal Wedding, we had a huge street party and they cooked the food. Although they are a private family, they were always happy to get involved with things like that."

A 50-year-old neighbour, who did not wish to be named, added: "I really feel for his family, I've just been to put a card through their door to let them know I am thinking of them.

"People may disagree but the family aren't responsible for their son's actions. He is old enough and mature enough to make his own decisions. I know they are going to blame themselves but it's not their fault."

UMST says Mr Fakhri is now in Syria but one of his brothers told the BBC he believed he was still in Sudan.

Most of the British students at UMST were the children of British-Sudanese parents who are successful UK doctors.

They had sent their children to Khartoum to study medicine because they wanted them to reconnect with their African and Islamic roots, before returning to work as doctors in Britain.

Nine British-Sudanese students and recent graduates disappeared from Khartoum in March, flying to Turkey, and then crossing over to Syria. Seven more followed in June, though two were detained in Turkey and returned to Khartoum.

"Mohammed Fakhri is in Syria and played a major role in recruiting the students who left to Turkey," said UMST dean Dr Ahmed Babiker Mohamed Zein.