Asylum seekers deported to France live in fear of smugglers’ reprisals

Six asylum seekers placed in homeless shelter say they are frightened' they will be forcibly returned to home countries

The first group of asylum seekers deported to France under Labour's one in, one out deal" have spoken of their fear of being pursued by smugglers and being forcibly returned to their home countries.

The men spoke just hours before a larger group of asylum seekers were due to be forcibly removed to France on a private charter flight to Paris early on Thursday morning, with a second drop off in Albania planned. It is thought that at least seven people will be removed in a significant ramping up of one in, one out' removals.