Soldier's widow faces deportation

Deveen Clarke says all her memories are in the UK

The widow of a soldier shot dead in London is to appeal against plans to deport her.

Deveen Clarke's husband Mario was on leave in Hackney from Deepcut Barracks in Surrey when he was shot at point-blank range on Boxing Day.

She had followed him to the UK from Jamaica so he could pursue his ambition to be a soldier.

Now because Mrs Clarke did not have a marriage visa allowing her to come to the UK, she has been told she will have to go back to Jamaica.

The Metropolitan Police is offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of 25-year-old Mr Clarke's killer.

They have said they can find no motive for the killing and it could be a case of mistaken identity.

Mario Clarke came to the UK to join the Army

It is being investigated by Operation Trident, which concentrates on gun crime in the black community.

Mrs Clarke told BBC London: "I've prayed and prayed and prayed. I have a constant headache. I'm depressed, I can't sleep at night.

"I'm very worried. What am I going back to Jamaica for when all my memories are here."

Her request to stay in the UK on compassionate grounds has been refused by the Home Office.

Deepcut link

The Home Office said it could not comment on individual cases but added there were avenues to appeal against decisions like this.

If there were concerns about a particular case, they would be looked at further.

Mr Clarke was three months into training at the Army's Deepcut Barracks when he died.

The Met has ruled out any link to the deaths of three new recruits at the barracks which are being investigated by Surrey Police.