Support for a man with Down’s syndrome threatened with deportation kept growing yesterday as a petition demanding that he be allowed to stay in Britain notched up 35,000 signatures in under 48 hours.

Wadih Chourey — who has lived in Twickenham since 1997 — was told he would have to return to Lebanon after his parents died.

Mr Chourey was brought to live in Britain after being targeted by violent Beirut gangs due to his disability.

The dramatic turn of events came as a shock to the local community, which says the Chourey family is held in high regard.

The petition launched by Mr Chourey’s friends and supporters is addressed to Home Secretary Theresa May and highlights the risk of further attacks should he be deported.

One of the signatories under the name of Simon C commented: “How can you deport someone who is unable to look after themselves? The cruelty of this government is just plain nasty.”

Another supporter Christopher A wrote: “Here’s a virtually helpless soul, dependent upon his family who are here and this government wants to send him back to an alien and hostile environment where his very life endangered. Where’s the compassion and understanding in that, prime minister?”

Mr Chourey’s local MP — Lib Dem Business Secretary Vince Cable — described the Home Office’s decision as “disgraceful.”