Asylum seeker goes on hunger strike

Mohammed Reza Solymanyzadeh says he is prepared to die

An asylum seeker who has been told he must return to Iran has gone on hunger strike - saying he would be stoned to death if he went home.

Mohammed Reza Solymanyzadeh says the last time he ate or drank was five days ago.

He arrived in the UK in February 2002 after fleeing Iran following an extra-marital affair.

His asylum application was turned down five months ago and his living and housing allowances were stopped.

He is currently squatting illegally in a house in Blackburn, Lancashire.

I have not eaten anything and am prepared to do this until I die Mohammed Reza Solymanyzadeh

He said: "I lived in Iran and Iran is a fanatically Islamic country.

"I had a relationship with a lady outside marriage and we were both committed to stoning to death.

He said he felt he had not received a fair hearing, adding: "Four times my court case was postponed because my solicitors did not turn up.

"I have not eaten anything and am prepared to do this until I die."

Dr Jon Shaffer, of Salford Royal Hospital, said if Mr Solymanyzadeh did not receive emergency treatment, he would become delirious and enter a coma before dying.

The Home Office refused to comment on the case.