Asylum seeker 'is sectioned'

Mr Solymanyzadeh is understood to be in hospital

An asylum seeker who went on hunger strike after being told he must return to his home in Iran has been sectioned, according to his supporters.

Mohammed Reza Solymanyzadeh has reportedly been detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to a hospital from the house in Blackburn, Lancashire, where he has been squatting illegally.

An interpreter for him told the BBC that the police and an ambulance arrived at the house on Thursday night, after a psychiatrist examined Mr Solymanyzadeh and decided to "temporarily" section him.

The health authority has not confirmed that he is being treated.

On Friday it was eight days since Mr Solymanyzadeh said he had stopped eating or drinking.

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

'Prepared to die'

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

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."

The Home Office has refused to comment on the case.