A senior judge called on the Government yesterday to halt all removals of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe pending a further High Court hearing.

The judge acted after a Refugee Legal Council (RLC) representative told him there was evidence to suggest that asylum seekers were in danger of being ill-treated and abused in Zimbabwe just because they had claimed asylum in the UK.

Mr Justice Collins said it could be "arguable" on the basis of the RLC material that it was unsafe to send back failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe.

The judge stressed that he was not saying that was the case, but he said the RLC should have the opportunity to put forward its evidence and it should then be considered by Home Secretary Charles Clarke.

The judge directed that a court hearing over the issue should be held on August 4.

In the meantime, suggested the judge, failed asylum seekers should not be removed "until this is sorted out".

Earlier lawyers for the Home Secretary had told the judge that Mr Clarke had no evidence of any systematic abuse of failed asylum seekers returned to Zimbabwe.

Jenni Richards, appearing for the Home Secretary, said Mr Clarke was well aware of public concern following reports from Zimbabwe and was keeping the situation under close observation.