Two would-be jihadists have been jailed after trying to sneak out of Britain at Dover to join Islamic State.

The men were found hidden in the back of a lorry at Dover.

Their sentencing comes just before this Sunday’s first anniversary of the Paris massacre, in which 130 innocent people were killed by the terrorist group.

Anas Abdalla was jailed for five years last Monday and Gabriel Rasmus was imprisoned four years and three months.

They were arrested at 7.45am on Friday, April 3, at the Port of Dover.

A third man, Mahamuud Diini, was arrested and charged but was found not guilty earlier this year.

Police say that their meticulous plans for travel were shown by several purchases of outdoor equipment by Rasmus. These were walking boots, a night scope telescope, compass, head torch, a route planner, vitamins and a thermal flask.

The pair, from Birmingham, had first travelled to London, meeting up with the lorry driver in a layby before hiding in the back of the vehicle to smuggle themselves out of the country.

Their plan was foiled when detectives told port officials at Dover to check the lorry. The men were found lying on the floor dressed in winter coats and each had a rucksack.

After they were arrested searches of their homes revealed extremist ideological material on computers and USBs as well as evidence on a number of online searches they had undertaken to help them plan.

Counter terrorism detectives believe that once in mainland Europe their plan was to travel through Albania or Bulgaria to Greece, Turkey and into Syria.

They had been foiled after an extensive surveillance and undercover operation provided vital information on the group’s plans.

Acting Chief Constable Marcus Beale, counter terrorism lead for West Midlands Police, said: “The sentences send a clear message to hopefully deter anyone planning to travel to Syria to join Daesh.

“As part of this investigation extensive surveillance and undercover activity was used. They were unknowingly being monitored by our officers who swooped as they attempted to leave the port.

“We will use every lawful technique and power available to us to prevent people from travelling to Syria.”

Abdalla, of Chain Walk, Lozells, Birmingham, was found guilty of preparation of acts of terrorism at the Old Bailey on Thursday, October 13, after a trial of almost six weeks.

Rasmus, of the city’s Fox Hollies Road in Acocks Green, pleaded guilty to the same at an earlier hearing.

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke said: "Thanks to great work by the police and Border Force, two evil extremists are locked up, rather than in Syria plotting terror attacks with the murderous ISIS.

"Yet again this shows why it is so important to use intelligence and surveillance to keep our borders secure - and our streets safe."

ACC Beale said: “If anyone is concerned that a friend or family members is thinking of travelling to Syria it is very important that they tell us as soon as possible.

“Police and other agencies can offer support to help safeguard those who are vulnerable to radicalisers.

“The sooner we can intervene the better chance we have of preventing people from becoming embroiled in the conflict and facing potential prosecution.

Anyone concerned about someone travelling to, or returning from, Syria or another conflict zone or is worried about someone showing signs of being radicalised should get help.

They should contact their local police on 101 or visit www.preventtragedies.co.uk to access relevant support and advice.