Algerian’s deportation cancelled at eleventh hour

Ali Serir was sitting in a van at Greenock prison yesterday, ready for a flight home to his native Algeria, when his deportation order was cancelled.

Had the removal order not been lifted, Mr Serir, whose Scottish wife is expecting a baby, faced torture and certain death on his return, according to Aamer Anwar, his lawyer.

The U-turn follows an intervention by Mr Anwar and Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist party leader, who sent a letter to David Blunkett, the home secretary, on Monday.

A Home Office investigation is now under way, with Les Hodges, a chief immigration officer, confirming that the order had been cancelled until all matters raised by Mr Sheridan have been addressed. The Herald