Anguish as Emile faces deportation

Emile Mouafo has been living in Sheffield as an asylum-seeker since the end of 2002, after escaping torture inflicted because of his membership to Maala - a group which speaks out about the social injustices that exist there.

He had made a new life for himself in the city - joining the congregation and choir at St Marie's, studying at college and volunteering at a local centre for the homeless. But Emile has now been told he is to be returned to Cameroon tomorrow.

Philip Jakob, musical director at the cathedral who is leading a campaign to keep Emile here, said: "He was arrested on Tuesday after singing at a friend's funeral.

" I only became aware of it the next day and it's been impossible to speak to him or visit him since then. He has now been transferred to Colnbrook deportation centre near Heathrow airport and told he will be removed on the 21st."

Emile, aged 37, lost his right to appeal the decision because he could not find the cash to finance it within the deadline.

Mr Jakob said Emile was such a proud man he would not have wanted to ask for financial help, even though a collection for him has already raised 900.

Now Mr Jakob and others who know him are hoping Sheffield Central MP Richard Caborn will step in.

The case comes after Iranian lesbian Pegah Emambakhsh, who has been living in Sheffield, was due to be sent home to Iran on Thursday night where she faced persecution because of her sexuality, but the move has been deferred until August 27.

Mr Jakob said Emile was "a charming guy", honest and hardworking, with an exceptional talent as a pastry chef, for which he has won awards.

He also attended Norton College to learn English and carried out volunteer work in the woodwork shop at the St Wilfrid's centre for the vulnerable and socially excluded.

A Home Office spokeswoman said they were unable to comment on individual cases, but added: "All our applications for asylum are carefully considered by trained case workers based on accurate information, who take into account all the circumstances of the application.

"We will only return those people that the process has decided do not need international protection and can therefore return safely."