Sanctuary Campaign- The Smakaj Family Must Stay

A family of Kosovan refugees threatened with deportation is being sheltered by the congregation of St John & St Stephen's Church in Roberts Street, Grimsby. Luan Smakaj, his wife Rruke, and sons Mersad who is ten years old and Urim who is eight years old have had their appeal to stay in the country rejected.

The family have lived in Cleethorpes for the past two years after being forced out of the Kosovan city of Mitrovic after Serbs launched an unprovoked attack on their farm in 1998. Serb rebels burst into their home and shot dead Mr Smakaj's brother Kujtim in front of the children before torching the property. They were forced to flee the city – leaving behind their possessions, and lived on berries in a nearby mountain range for three months before escaping to Britain by boat.

The Vicar, Canon John Ellis, said: "We are shocked that human beings can be treated in this way. Officers can turn up on their doorstep at any time and take them away immediately. We have got to do something to stop them going through yet another terrible ordeal. We have no other choice but to keep them safe until something can be done."

The two boys attend Bursar Primary School, in Cleethorpes. Supporter Angela Sherwood, whose children attend the same school said: "They were comfortably off and did not want to come and live in another country at all but trouble broke out. Urim had never been to school until he came here because it was burnt down when he was younger. They have seen and experienced some horrendous things but still have faith in human nature. When they came they spoke hardly any English. Now both boys are virtually fluent and all of them are settled. I just cannot believe how heartless the system is."

Grimsby and Cleethorpes residents have promised to fight to keep the Smakaj family in Britain. More than 500 people have signed a petition, and an appeal has been made to Home Secretary David Blunkett in a bid to let the family stay on compassionate grounds.

The Bishop of Grimsby, Canon David Rossdale, has pledged his support for the Grimsby church. He said: "I have come to support the church and what it is trying to do. It is always important that the need of individuals and families – regardless of where they are from or who they are – should be upheld. When people are caught up in bureaucratic problems, stereotypes are very quickly created. At the end of the day, these are people with hopes and dreams just as anyone else has."

Urim said: "I am really happy that everyone doesn't want us to leave. We went to a school concert and they were all so nice it made me cry. I want to stay with my friends."

School pal Jonathon Goudie (10) said: "Mersad has been my friend for about two years but now that the Government wants to take him away back to Kosovo, Mersad and his family are really sad and scared. They have been through a lot in the past and they don't want to go through it again. Someone, please help them stay."

Kosovo is still very volatile and those forced to return could face serious difficulties and, in some cases, significant threats to their security. It would be inhumane to return the Smakaj family who have suffered particularly serious and traumatising experiences.

The Home Office have agreed to review their appeal to stay but, despite the reprieve, the long wait is taking its toll on the family.