A BURY couple fear being deported to Cameroon after losing their fight to stay in the UK.

Lydia Besong and Bernard Batey, of Kestrel Drive, have been trying to claim asylum since fleeing Africa in 2006, where they say they were beaten, tortured and imprisoned.

The Home Office refused their claim and last week they were informed that the asylum and immigration tribunal had turned down their appeal.

The couple’s lawyer is now applying for leave to appeal the decision. If it is granted, the appeal will be heard by the High Court.

For now, the couple remain in limbo as they wait to find out whether they can appeal or face being deported.

Mrs Besong, aged 39, said: “I am very disappointed and upset about the decision to reject our appeal.

“I don’t know what happens now. Hopefully leave to appeal will be granted and we can continue to stay in Bury.

“I am very worried about going back to Cameroon. I am scared because I know I will be tortured there.”

The couple fled Cameroon in 2006 and settled in Rochdale, before moving to Bury 12 months ago.

They allege they were persecuted for their involvement with political pressure group Southern Cameroon National Council, which campaigns for the rights of the country’s English-speaking minority.

It is claimed they were beaten, tortured and imprisoned, and Mrs Besong was raped by a uniformed prison guard.