Teen asylum seeker wins age fight

Nsira is now hoping to return to Hounslow

An asylum seeker who was sent to live on her own on Wearside despite claiming she was only 14 has won a battle to prove her age.

Nsira Kourouma arrived in Britain from Guinea in Africa in November and told immigration officers she was 14, but they concluded she was 18.

She was sent to live alone on Wearside where she said she felt threatened.

But an immigration tribunal on Tuesday ruled a paediatrician's evidence showed she is indeed 14.

Nsira was originally dispersed to Sunderland from Hounslow on the basis of an assessment by immigration officials who concluded she was older.

Foster carer

Speaking through an interpreter, Ms Kourouma said: "I was very sad. It was very difficult for me because I didn't have anybody to talk to.

"In the street people were laughing at me, insulting me. It was very difficult for me to be here on my own."

She now wants to return to Hounslow where she had friends.

Rodney Thomas, from the Washington Asylum Seekers Project, said: "It only takes a matter of five or 10 minutes with Nsira and it becomes quite obvious she is very young."

Sunderland City Council said in a statement: "We're pleased that Nsira can now be given the care and support she needs following the hearing.

"We are now in the process of identifying foster carers to look after her until there is a resolution of her application to return to Hounslow where she has friends."