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A world-class sprinter from Sierra Leone who slept rough in London after competing in last year's Commonwealth Games has lost his bid to stay in the UK.

Jimmy Thoronka, 21, claimed he could not return to his West African homeland after his entire family died following the outbreak of Ebola.

He was found sleeping rough in the capital after the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and was arrested in March this year by immigration officers for overstaying his visa.

He applied for leave to stay in the UK after being offered a sporting scholarship from the University of East London.

But despite widespread support, including a petition with more than 25,000 signatures, his appeal to stay in Britain has been rejected.

Thoronka now faces being deported before he can appeal the decision, according to reports.

His case was allegedly turned down by the Home Office on the grounds it was "clearly unfounded".

"All applications for a visa or leave to remain are considered on their individual merits and in line with the immigration rules," a spokesman told the Guardian.

"Mr Thoronka's claim did not meet the required thresholds within the immigration rules."

Thoronka said he was devastated by the decision, telling the Guardian: "What is going to happen to me if I am forced to return to Sierra Leone?

"There is no one to look after me and support me there and the training facilities are very bad.

"I don't think I will make it if I have to go back."

A GoFundMe page for Mr Thoronka set up by his supporters has so far raised more than £30,000.