'TERRIFIED' asylum seekers are sleeping away from their homes due to the governments Rwanda Act, a Worcester refugee support group has claimed. 

Worcester City Welcomes Refugees has expressed the 'serious trauma' caused by the Rwanda policy and claimed asylum seekers are going to ground through fear of being detained. 

In a joint statement with similar groups across the County, Worcester campaigners have demanded the controversial Act be repealed.

The statement, aimed at MPs and the wider Government, details how asylum seekers are now 'terrified' of being detained.

READ MORE- Infected blood report 'bittersweet vindication' says Worcester campaigner

READ MORE- 'XL Bully' type dog attacks girl, 8, in Holt Heath

READ MORE- Man dies at Bluebell Inn in Malvern after medical emergency

Statement author Rev David Haslam said refugee groups are receiving 'cries for help' from asylum seekers who are failing to attend routine reporting meetings for fear of being arrested.

Rev Haslam added asylum seekers had already suffered anxiety, fear and distress as they fled conflict or persecution to seek safety- but the new measures were only compounding their agony. 

“Refugees have turned up to report as required but have then been detained without warning and with no belongings. 

“Some have been brought to tears, as have the volunteers trying to reassure them. 

"The spectre of detention and then deportation to a country in the middle of Africa, which most of them have never heard of, is causing serious trauma and leading to severe mental stress."

Rev Haslam added refugee support groups have been dealing with people from Iraq, Iran, Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Sudan and other countries caught up in conflict and violence. 

“Some have arrived in the UK without entry clearance, but anyone with fear of persecution or conflict is entitled to seek asylum in any other country, by international law.  

“All they want is to know they are safe and then to begin to contribute to our society."

A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is longstanding policy that immigration enforcement and detention is a reserved matter. 

“Detentions for those in line for removal are continuing, and we are working at pace to get flights to Rwanda off the ground in July.”  

Worcester MP Robin Walker told the Worcester News Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was right to reflect the 'concerns of the British people' in wanting to stop the small boats.

Mr Walker added: "The Rwanda policy is an important deterrent to those who have been taking advantage of people to make money out of their misery. 

"We should continue to be one of the most hospitable countries when it comes to supporting asylum seekers but to maintain that we need to show that we have a safe and legal immigration system which has the support of the British people."