Just under half of the individuals offered support from the Government’s de-radicalisation programme last year refused to participate, according to the police.

Figures from the National Police Chief's Council revealed between 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016 245 individuals were offered support by a Channel panel but 117 declined.

Channel is a goverment programme where agencies come together to offer early help to those vulnerable to all types of extremism. The participation of those who are referred to Channel is voluntary.

A spokeswoman for the NPCC said: ‘Channel is just one of a range of intervention options open to police and partners.

‘Where a person does refuse to participate in Channel – and of course, as a voluntary programme, this is their right – there will be continuing engagement with the individual concerned to seek alternative support measures.’