Olympic Athlete From East Africa Walks Into A Police Station In Britain; Asks For Asylum

AN Olympic athlete has walked into a police station in Britain – and asked for asylum. The male competitor reportedly turned up at Bridewell Police Station in Leeds, Yorks, on Tuesday [July 24].

He is believed to have entered Britain as a legitimate member of the Olympic squad of an East African country.

The sportsman is currently having his application processed in the normal way after police passed the case to the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

Immigration officials have warned that up to two per cent of athletes, team officials and supporters may claim refuge in the UK during and after the Games – or try to stay on once their visas expire.

A number of international Olympic teams have training camps in Yorkshire, the largest being the Chinese team in Leeds.

A Home Office spokesman said it was expected that all athletes taking part in the Games would leave when their accreditation expires and any applications for asylum would be dealt with according to standard immigration procedures.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said asylum applications were a matter for the UKBA.