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Man Who Saves Two Kids From A House Fire Now Faces Deportation

Man Who Saves Two Kids From A House Fire Now Faces Deportation

He was labelled a hero after the daring rescue.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A man who was praised for saving two children from a house fire is now being deported from the UK.

46-year-old Robert Chilowa ran into a burning house in Manchester on 10 February and saved a boy and girl who were inside.

Robert ended up in hospital with smoke inhalation and was widely praised by police and fire chiefs for his bravery.

Robert moved to the UK in 2001 from Zimbabwe, but he's now been told by the Home Office that he must leave his Manchester home by 11 March, leaving him with just 12 working days to find himself somewhere new to live, or risk court action.

The letter also said that Robert can no longer use the NHS, claim benefits or get accommodation through the local council. It recommended that should he need help he can turn to charities, such as The Salvation Army.

A petition has been set up in an attempt to encourage the Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, to reconsider the decision to deport Robert.

The petition states: "Robert Chilowa has been in the U.K. since 2001 from Zimbabwe, but he is facing deportation from a country he now calls home.

"In February 2017 he saved lives of children from a burning house in Withington, Manchester.

Credit: PA

"One of the Home Office requirements for being granted a status is good character; this act of bravery is good character, especially in today's world whereby he could have chosen to be a bystander and take pictures from afar.

"Robert did not commit any crime but saved lives - he deserves recognition not psychological persecution from the Home Office.

"Let's save this gentle giant."

Robert says that he fears for his safety in his home country, which is currently ruled by dictator Robert Mugabe and is going through violent, political unrest.

He said: "It is a slap in the face.

"Friends said, 'When are you going to see the Queen? When are you going to be knighted'?

"I did a great job but now what they are saying is, 'Get lost'."

Thanking Robert for his heroic actions, police chiefs said his bravery 'truly demonstrated community spirit', when he chose to risk his life by entering the burning building.

Two people, Mohammed Awad, 56, and Hasma Awad, 47, the grandparents of the children, died in the fire.

Just last week, Robert was called to a meeting with immigration officials who told him he has to leave the UK as there was 'no case to answer' regarding his application to stay.

Robert added: "It really broke my heart what I'm going through now. I did nothing wrong. I don't have a criminal record. Someone should have a heart."

Credit: PA

A Home Office spokeswoman told the Guardian: "The UK has a proud history of granting asylum to those who need our protection and every case is assessed on its individual merits.

"If someone is found not to need our protection we expect them to leave the UK."

The petition to keep Robert in the UK currently has over 3,000 signatures at the time of writing.

Featured Image Credit: PA