Bibby Stockholm Call for barge to be closed after death of asylum seeker

Ministers are being urged to close the Bibby Stockholm barge after a resident seeking asylum was said to have killed himself yesterday.

- Rajeev Syal, Diane Taylor, Pippa Crerar

Police are investigating the "sudden death" on the giant vessel moored in Portland, Dorset, which was leased by the former home secretary Suella Braverman to house recent arrivals to the UK.

The man, said to be in his twenties, is understood to have been found early yesterday morning by his room mate.

Charities last night called for the government to close the barge over concerns that the vessel was cramped, unsafe and provided isolated accommodation for people who had suffered trauma.

Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council charity, called for an independent review of the incident.

"We know from our work supporting men, women and children.

in the asylum system that many are deeply traumatised and feel isolated and unable to get the help they need.

Some are so desperate they self-harm and feel suicidal.

"It is imperative an independent review is carried out into this death so that lessons are learned," he said.

Ann Salter, a therapist at the human rights charity Freedom from Torture, said: "This latest tragedy is yet another reminder that the government's punitive anti-refugee policies are not only cruel but they cost lives." The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) general secretary, Matt Wrack, said the Bibby Stockholm should be closed with immediate effect.