A GROUP of detainees at Campsfield House immigration detention centre in Kidlington were on hunger strike last night.

In a statement issued through pressure group Campaign to Close Campsfield, detainee Young Cee said 147 were refusing meals.

He said: “The protest erupted as a result of the treatment of detainees in detention centres especially people who have been detained for a long period of time. We will continue to refuse meals indefinitely for our voices to be heard.

“Some of us have been detained for over three years with no prospect of removal or any evidence of future release.

“There is no justification whatsoever for detaining us for such period of time.”

Campaign spokesman Liz Peretz said: “We endorse all their concerns, and urge the Government to reconsider the need for detention of migrants at all.”

A UK Border Agency spokesman said: “Staff are monitoring the situation closely and listening to the detainees concerns. All detainees have access to legal representation and 24-hour medical care.”