AN ASYLUM-SEEKER who sewed his mouth shut broke his hunger strike after six days.

Hamid Biak, 28, who is staying in Maindee, Newport, stitched his lips in protest against the Home Office refusal of his asylum application.

But after reading the Argus report, Dale Wood, pastor at King's Church, and members of his congregation persuaded Mr Biak to end his protest.

On Tuesday night they took Mr Biak to the Royal Gwent to have his stitches removed. He is taking medication for a fungal infection to his lips.

Mr Biak, an Iranian who has been living in Newport for over a year, then broke his strike with orange juice and a meal of chicken.

He said: "I'm feeling fine and the people from the church have helped me. The pastor told me that a Christian would not do this. He wanted to help."

Mr Biak said he did not regret his protest, and added: "I pray to Jesus. I cannot go back to Iran or they will kill me."