Cricket siblings released from immigration centre

Two Bristol siblings have been released from an immigration removal centre after more than a month in detention.

Ahad Rizvi, 19, is a keen cricketer at the Easton Cowboys Club in Bristol; last night he was already back practising in the cricket nets. The club has run a vigorous fundraising and publicity campaign to keep the siblings in the country.

Ahad and his sister Anum, 20, came to the UK from Pakistan to join their parents, who claimed asylum here; as minority Shi'a Muslims, the family say they have received death threats from Taliban militants in their home country.

But once Ahad and Anum turned 18, they had to apply for their own asylum. These bids have failed, and they are reaching the end of the appeals process. However, after a bail hearing was cancelled this week, authorities have temporarily allowed them home to Bristol.

Local MP Kerry McCarthy, who has supported their campaign, has emphasised that their legal status has not changed with their release, however.