Asylum seekers 'assaulted by British security teams'

HUNDREDS of asylum seekers claim they were assaulted by security teams hired by the Home Office to forcibly deport them, according to a report published today.

The report presents findings from a dossier of nearly 300 assaults, alleged to have taken place between January 2004 and June 2008. The incidents include accusations of excessive force, beatings and racial abuse.

The abuse has been detailed by groups co-ordinating the representation and medical care of failed asylum-seekers.

The report says: "We consider the evidence in this report reveals what may amount to state sanctioned violence, for which ultimate responsibility lies with the Home Office."

Former chief inspector of prisons, Lord David Ramsbotham, said: "If even one of the cases is substantiated, that amounts to something of a preventable national disgrace."

Most of the assaults are alleged to have taken place as the failed asylum-seekers were transported for deportation.

Three security firms – Group4Securicor, International Trading Agency Overseas Escorts Ltd and RSI Immigration Services Ltd – are approved by the Government to carry out the forced removals.