The Bristol Evening Post is fighting to keep a family of asylum seekers in Britain.

In a bold move over a controversial issue, the paper is inviting readers to complete and return coupons to pledge their support for the refugees.

Post reporter Simon Peevers said: “The campaign has been running for several weeks now and so far we are pleased with the response. We have received about 500 coupons.

“We have also received some anti-refugee comments. There are a few people out there who just want to get rid of them all, but generally the response has been quite positive.”

The Mehmeti family fled to England from Kosovo after witnessing the brutal murder of their relatives.

The Home Office say that Robert Mehmeti and his family must return to Kosovo but he fears for their lives if they are forced to go back.

Faced with their desperate plight the father of three has already tried to take his own life.

The Post took the brave step of campaigning on behalf of a single family, which had the danger of opening the door to possible allegations of favouritism and unfairness.

But Simon said his paper was using the Mehmetis’ situation – along with other cases – to highlight the refugee issues facing Bristol.

The city is currently accommodating about 500 asylum seekers under the dispersal scheme.

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