A FAILED asylum seeker faces a death sentence if he is forced to return to his war-torn homeland, his supporters have warned.

Campaigners fighting to keep Moses Maglo Possi, 25, in England have collected a petition of more than 700 names from across Mr Possi's adopted hometown of Darlington.

But Mr Possi, who has lived in the town for more than three years,- has had his final appeal to stay in the country rejected and faces being sent back to Congo Brazzeville.

Mr Possi left the country in 2000 after his support for the political opposition left him fearing for his life.

During his time in England, he has become heavily involved with The Salvation Army.

Captain Marian Fripp, from Darlington Salvation Army, said Mr Possi feared being deported.

He said: "Sadly, we do not see a way forward at the moment.Unless we can find the necessary legal help, the day will probably come when it's time for him to go.

"He's just making ends meet as best he can, but the situation could not be worse.

"Moses is a really lovely guy, but he isn't allowed to have a job or settle down with a family, both of which he would genuinely love to do. He doesn't want to live like this, but cannot return home."

Also backing the campaign is the Salvation Army Over-60s Club

And Toni Carr, chairwoman of Amnesty International in Darlington, said the situation did not look promising.

She said: "Moses is still hopeful as much as he can be, and we are giving him as much as we can in terms of moral support and showing our backing with the petition."

A Home Office spokeswoman said she could not comment because the petition had not yet been received.