A Shropshire woman has launched a campaign to prevent her 19-year-old Turkish boyfriend from being deported after he stayed in the country illegally.

Julie Haycocks, 53, of Whitchurch, said her partner Cihat Haciveliogullari, known locally as Alex, was taken to Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre in Scotland after being held about five weeks ago after his permission to stay in the country expired.

She has launched a campaign for him to remain in the country, which she has called ‘Right to Remain for Alex’. It includes a Facebook page and a petition.

His case has now been referred to the immigration team in the West Midlands who will decide his fate in the next four weeks.

Mr Haciveliogullari came to the country about eight years ago and has worked in various catering outlets in Whitchurch. He has been Miss Haycocks’s partner for about three years and the couple were due to marry this Christmas, she said.

Miss Haycocks said: “I don’t want this to become a love story, but a community story. I want to get him back and get him released. He is well-known locally and is well-liked. I have had lots of letters of support.”

She added: “He came here seeking asylum or refugee status, but they refused and he was granted discretionary leave as it was due to expire.

“He should have applied to renew it but was remiss which meant he was classed as an overstayer and his time in the country had run out and faced deportation.

“After six years of being in the UK he could apply for permanent residence. So I hope the immigration officials don’t come down on him too hard when judging his case.”

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: “Mr Haciveliogullari’s leave to remain in the UK expired in February last year and he has remained in the country illegally since that date.

“He was arrested as an overstayer when he was encountered in a UK Border Agency raid in Whitchurch in September this year.

“When someone’s leave to remain runs out we expect them to leave the country voluntarily. Where they do not we will enforce their departure.”

Anyone wishing to write a letter of support can post it to 30 Queensway, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 1HA. The petition can be accessed at Hale Family Butchers and The Greyhound Inn.

By James Pugh