The Immigration Minister Phil Woolas has promised a decision within two weeks on the fate of a severely autistic boy facing deportation from Sutton to Egypt.

Up to now the family of Marin Rizk, 19, have been refused permission to stay in the UK, even though there is no provision for his condition in their homeland.

Two weeks ago a group of residents went to Downing Street to present a 900-signature petition demanding that Marin's human rights be protected.

Paul Burstow, the MP for Sutton and Cheam, has now made a final plea to Mr Woolas, who has the power to order an official review of the Home Office decision.

Mr Burstow said: "The Rizks' friends, neighbours and church community have done everything they can to petition the Home Office for a change of heart.

"Following on from their campaign, I hope that by meeting the Immigration Minister, the authorities can be persuaded to take fresh look at the case and reconsider the impact on Marin's welfare that deportation would have.

"His severe disability cannot be catered for in Egypt.

"I had no indication either way how the decision may go - the minister was very professional and gave me undertaking that he would come to a decision in the next two weeks."

With his parents Gergis and Nabila, Marin moved to Sutton six years ago, so he could continue his education at Sherwood Park School for children with special needs.

The self-sufficient family became well known in Sutton Common while running the Stop & Shop supermarket.

Their applications for asylum were turned down by the Home Office because of a lack of clear evidence that Marin would face "persecution" upon return to Egypt.

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