Nottingham former asylum seekers in 'mass destitution'

Children have been found sleeping rough in Nottingham after their families tried to claim refugee status.

An inquiry by Citizens For Sanctuary says former asylum seekers are being forced into "mass destitution" and families are being pressured into putting children into care.

Seventy former asylum seekers and three families with children were destitute in Nottingham in June, Citizens For Sanctuary said.

Kurdish asylum seeker Arian Ali said he began sleeping on the streets of the city after he lost his housing and benefits when his asylum claim was rejected.

Mr Ali, who is not allowed to work in the UK, hopes to challenge the decision to send him back to Syria.

The UK Border Agency said people whose asylum claims fail should leave the country.