The Home Office confirmed today that the property where the man was found was being used by the National Asylum Support Service, which provides housing for asylum seekers. It is understood the man was awaiting a decision by the Home Office on his application for asylum in the UK. Police do not believe the death to be suspicious. They refused to reveal any details about the man's status. We understand that the man hung himself in his flat.

Robina Qureshi, Director of Positive Action in Housing, said:

“Our condolences go to the family of this man who, we suspect, may still not know he has died. We understand that the police are not conducting a major enquiry into this man’s death. We call on the police to carry out a full enquiry into the death of this man because we suspect he may have committed suicide while awaiting a decision by the Home Office on his asylum application in the UK.

“Through our destitution service, we know of other would be refugees who have attempted suicides after the torture of going through a dehumanising asylum process. Many destitute people have suffered mental breakdowns as a result of the home Secretary’s get tough asylum policy, they have no where to go and no one to turn to because they are not allowed recourse to public services under David Blunkett’s asylum policy”.

Only last month, three Iranian asylum seekers ended a six week hunger strike after being threatened with eviction and absolute destitution by NASS.