Supporters of a Guantanamo Bay prisoner have called on the Government to act quickly to ensure his release.

Omar Deghayes, a law student from Saltdean near Brighton, has been detained in the prison since 2002 after being arrested in Pakistan the previous year.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office formally asked for the release of him and four other British prisoners earlier this month. The American government said the five men could be involved with terrorist activity if sent back to Britain.

Campaigners yesterday said negotiations with the American government for the release of Mr Deghayes will not commence until the autumn.

Jackie Chase, of the Save Omar Campaign, said: "Omar needs an eye surgeon desperately, his finger has been crushed in a door and his face has been beaten beyond recognition."