A FORMER child slave from Vietnam whose bid for asylum has been supported by more than 120,000 people faces an agonising wait to see if he can stay in the UK.

The 19-year-old, who has built a new life with a foster family in Shildon, County Durham, expected to hear this afternoon whether the Home Office would grant him asylum.

But it is understood that officials failed to inform his solicitor of a decision by close of business today and he must now wait until Monday.

Foster sister Naomi Tomlinson said: “Stephen has today been extremely stressed and fearful, with regular hugs shared as we assure him of our support and the support of the 122,000 people who signed the online petition and the thousands more who signed the physical petition.”

Over Christmas Stephen, whose real name is withheld, was devastated to learn the Home Office had refused his application for asylum.

He appealed and a campaign to back him won widespread support including from the Bishop of Durham Paul Butler, Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman and more than 120,000 signed a petition to Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

The original decision was suspended and the Home Office reinterviewed the teen this week and a 4pm deadline was set for a decision on whether he would get five years asylum.

Miss Tomlinson said: “We are extremely disappointed with a government department paid for by our taxes that fails to act in ways that reflect our British values.

“The casual disregard of a court direction, the disregard of human suffering and the disregard of justice and fairness have been our experience of dealing with this office.

“We hope now to hear on Monday but past experience indicates our hopes may be dashed on the rocks of their indifference.

“Stephen has asked me to say a huge thank you to all of those who have supported him during this difficult time, he is at a low ebb, your support means a lot.”

Stephen, whose real name is withheld for his protection, was orphaned and living on the streets of Vietman at the age of ten where he was picked up by a criminal gang, trafficked to the UK and forced to work in a cannabis farm.

He was rescued by authorities during a drugs raid on Tyneside when he was 16 and for three years has lived with Shildon Vicar Rev David Tomlinson and wife Davina.

They say he has no support network back in Vietnam and has worked hard to become part of his new community and, as a converted Christian, would face religious persecution if deported.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and every case is assessed on its individual merits.

“The Claimant recently submitted additional evidence that was not available when the initial refusal decision was made.

The Home Office asked the Tribunal to adjourn the hearing, scheduled for Monday 5 February, so the additional evidence could be fully considered. On Friday, the Home Office submitted an application to the Tribunal for an extension of time to consider this case.

This application, which was submitted in accordance with the directions set by the courts, is now being considered.

“As the appeal is ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further.”