A man found in an inflatable kayak trying to make his way to the UK has claimed asylum on the grounds he is being persecuted in Iran for his Christian faith.
He was spotted within eight miles of Britain's coastline by a cross-channel ferry at the end of last week.
The man claimed asylum when he was rescued by the UK border force.
He had been a resident of the 'jungle' camp in Calais until it was demolished last week, Sky News reported.
Sources told the broadcaster that the man, thought to be around 30 years old, converted to Christianity in Iran and was forced to flee persecution.
If authorities believe he is telling the truth about his conversion it is likely his application for asylum will be accepted.
The man will be expected to prove he is a Christian, that he is from Iran and that he converted from Islam.
He's being detained in an immigration centre in South London.
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Article by Antony Bushfield
Antony Bushfield is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
