Message from Bob Hughes - Campaign to Close Campsfield

Message 2
Another detainee, "Kevin", has called to say that Blue Wing is now devastated: water everywhere, lights and CCTV smashed, guards nowhere in sight, and blue lights either of emergency services or riot squads arriving outside the centre.

He heard the alleged assault that triggered the disturbance. He says that guards entered the wing earlier this morning and, unusually, locked all the cell doors before entering that of the man they removed - an african.

He could hear sounds of an assault; he heard the man screaming, including words to the effect "they are murdering me". The man's two room-mates witnessed the assault and say that about 25 officers were involved, in riot gear, and the man was savagely punched and kicked.

** It is important that these witnesses' details and whereabouts be established. All too often, detainees who witnessed alleged assaults are removed to different detention centres, or removed from the country, before any investigation can take place.**

This follows a number of allegations of assaults by guards, received from detainees in the past 2 weeks, and currently being investigated by Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) and Medical Justice.

"Kevin" is willing to be interviewed and can be called on 077 6824 2051

Bob Hughes
- for the Campaign to Close Campsfield


Message 1

This is a message I sent out to the media about half an hour ago:

I have just had a call (5:37 am) from a detainee in Blue Block at Campsfield Immigration Removal Centre (IRC), Kidlington, Oxford, describing a disturbance developing there AT THIS MOMENT.

Amid loud shouting I could make out that guards attempted forcibly to remove a man from his cell a little earlier this morning and, it is alleged, beat him severely. The word "murder" was used repeatedly - I think in reference to what the guards were doing. 20 officers in riot gear came to remove the man, who has a wife and family in this country.

A CCTV camera and lights have been smashed. There is talk of "breaking the place up".

Bob Hughes
Campaign to Close Campsfield