Failed asylum seeker locked up with terrorist suspects

And they are urging the Home Office to allow him to stay in the country.

Kissi Kilondo has been placed in the Harmsworth detention centre, near London, where suspected al Qaida members and preachers of hate occupy neighbouring rooms.

He faces being returned to the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, in Africa, and will be deported on September 12.

Last night, his supporters said it was contradictory that while Government authorities warned tourists not to visit his country, they were considering sending Mr Kilondo back.

Mr Kilondo has lived in the North-East for four years and has had two failed applications and appeals for asylum in the country.

He resided in Middlesbrough - where he became heavily involved with Cannon Park Church - until he was first taken into detention in April.

Following his release in June, he was taken in by fellow churchgoers Chrisjan Dees, his wife, Anja, and their three children, who live in Middleton St George, near Darlington.

Mr Dees said: "It makes no sense why they want to send him back to a country where no one dares go, where people are advised not to go.

"He is really scared, desperate. He fears he might be killed."

Mr Dees said there could be hope, as some of Mr Kilondo's relatives were supplying documents to prove his case.

He said: "It's taking a long time, most of his family do not have good means of communication, plus they are sensitive documents.

"But we understand two of his cousins have now taken them to Brussels. Hopefully help is on the way."

Kath Sainsbury, from the National Coalition for the Anti Deportment of Refugees, said: "There are clearly compelling reasons that he should not be sent back.

"As far as we are aware, more than four million people have been killed in conflict in Congo."

Phillippa Weighell, from Amnesty International, said: "We will all do all we can to help."

A spokesman for the Home Office said it could not comment on individual cases.