Turkey scoffs at idea of plot to kidnap cleric

Turkey has dismissed as “ludicrous and groundless” a report that officials may have discussed kidnapping a Us-based Muslim cleric in exchange for $15million (£11.3million).

The alleged plot proposed forcibly removing Fethullah Gülen, who is blamed for last year’s failed coup attempt, and handing him over to Ankara for money.

But Turkey denied allegations “that it would resort to means external to the rule of law”.