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A gran who has been married to a Brit for 27 years is being deported from the UK to her native Singapore.

Irene Clennel, 52, attended a “routine” appointment with immigration reporting staff, but was arrested, held overnight in a police cell, then driven to a detention centre.

She arrived in Britain in 1988 then was granted indefinite leave to stay 25 years ago due to her marriage to John.

But the Home Office told her last year she must leave.

(Image: Glen Minikin)

Speaking from the detention centre where she awaits deportation, Irene said: “It happened so quickly. I was driven [here] feeling like some kind of criminal.

“The prospect of being sent to Singapore is frightening. I have nothing there, no home, no employment, no family. I’d be completely lost and far from my husband, sons and granddaughter.

“I understand not everyone can come into the UK and stay, but surely I should be treated differently. I hope common sense will win, but I’m frightened.”

(Image: Glen Minikin)

John, 50, a former gas fitter now cared for by Irene after a prolonged illness, said: “We open our doors to everyone, then pick on those who have a life here. She’s never taken a handout from this government and has been a good, decent person.”

Irene and John, whose sons are in their mid-20s, went to live in Singapore from 1993 to 1998 because her parents got cancer.

On her return to Britain, Irene fought to regain indefinite leave to remain here.

(Image: Glen Minikin)

The Home Office granted it again in 2008, said Irene, of Ouston, Co Du­rham.

Nazek Ramadan, director of campaign group Migrant Voice, said the drive towards migration caps is tearing families apart.

The Home Office said: “All applications for leave to remain in the UK are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules.”