Campsfield detainees deny hunger strike protest fading

Some detainees claim they are being poorly treated at the removal centre

Inmates at Oxfordshire's Campsfield House immigration removal centre have denied a hunger strike is almost over.

Almost 140 detainees began refusing meals on Monday. They said their demonstration was due to people being detained for long periods.

The UK Border Agency said only five were still refusing meals on Thursday.

But a statement claiming to be from the detainees said 70 people were continuing the protest and no-one from the agency had been in touch.

An earlier statement from the inmates said some people had been detained for more than three years at immigration removal centres across the country with "no prospect of removal or any evidence of future release".

The UK Border Agency said inmates had access to food from vending machines and that there was also an on-site shop.

The agency said the welfare of detainees was its priority and staff were listening to inmates' concerns.

It added that the detainees "continue to have access to legal representation and 24-hour medical care".