A REFUGEE who fled war-torn Sierra Leone in search of safety after his family were murdered has been evicted from emergency council housing.

Ken Silver came to the United Kingdom 16 years ago when his homeland was embroiled in civil war seeking work, safety, and shelter.

But he struggled financially when he was refused asylum by the government and was not entitled to work here legally.

He resorted to sleeping on the beach when he first arrived homeless in Brighton while he sought help and was later offered a room by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Since the end of January the authority has been paying for him to stay in emergency accommodation while he seeks legal advice to stay here permanently and get a job to support his two young, English children.

But on Wednesday afternoon the 37-year-old, also known as Santos, was evicted from the groundfloor bedsit in Grand Parade.

He said: "A few weeks ago they had told me I needed to leave but I said I couldn't as I had nowhere else to go.

"Then on Wednesday I was called to a meeting with them. I went and waited nearly three hours then they told me they weren't going to see me.

"I went back to the flat but the caretaker told me they had changed the locks and that I wasn't allowed to live there anymore. I couldn't get to my stuff and I was cold as I was only wearing a t-shirt.

"I got really upset and tried to get in and said I wouldn't leave until I had my things.

"I am desperate to work and try to help my two children. I want to be able to support myself, not rely on others, but I need some help first."

Police officers were called and arrested him on suspicion of breach of the peace, but a spokesman said he was "de-arrested" a short time later and escorted from the premises.

Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas said: "This case highlights the failings of the UK’s shockingly slow immigration process which leaves so many genuine asylum seekers in limbo for many years. I’ll be speaking with the council as soon as possible to find out further details in this case – and to urge them to give Mr Silver the ongoing support he needs.”

A council spokesperson said Mr Silver’s possessions were in storage with the accommodation provider and were available for collection "subject to reasonable prior notice".

He said: "Whenever we offer temporary support to someone based on our statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 we always underline the temporary nature of this support and give appropriate notice of when the support will no longer be offered.

"In cases where we have no statutory housing or social care duty we offer information, support and advice to enable people to try and access accommodation and assistance for themselves.

"While we are unable to comment on the specifics of individual cases, we can confirm that we have offered Mr Silver a great deal of support and have never refused to meet him or make him wait three hours for a meeting.

"This support would typically include offering to contact agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions or Home Office on people’s behalf to see if financial support might be available, as well as voluntary sector groups that may also be able to provide them with support.

"However, we cannot force people to engage with the support and advice we offer.

"Issues around immigration status and financial and other support for asylum seekers or failed asylum seekers are a matter for the Home Office.

"As a local authority we are not in a position to circumvent national legislation regarding immigration or access to legal aid."