Asylum seeker's family released

Mr Orozoco is looking forward to seeing his wife and son again

The family of a Colombian asylum seeker have been released from the detention centre they were being held in and are due to return to their home in Bristol.

Luis Orozco sought refuge at St Nicholas of Tolentino church in Easton when Lina and Miguel Castanos were taken into detention 18 days ago.

Lina and Miguel were told their appeal had failed on Saturday.

She has been given permission to return to Bristol make a fresh appeal. Luis Orozoco will remain in a safe house.

Second appeal

On hearing the news that his wife and eight-year-old son had been released from Oakington detention centre in Cambridgeshire Luis told the BBC: "We are very pleased to enjoy the freedom again - especially my son, he is asking for me every time."

Luis fled Colombia three years ago after blowing the whistle on a large company accusing it of causing serious pollution.

He claims some of his relatives have already been killed.

It will take three months for the second appeal to be processed by the Home Office.