A WAITER was today pinning his hopes on an appeal against deportation to his native Algeria.

Support for the man, who had worked at an Italian restaurant in Malton for three years, was growing in the town today as he spent his fourth day in police custody.

Mesbah Nana, 26, was arrested on Friday at Florios Restaurant.

He is said to have entered Britain on a visitor's visa that expired in 1994. He has contacted specialist lawyers who are considering an appeal against deportation, which must be lodged within 14 days.

Mr Nana came to Britain to study at Sheffield Hallam University, but was unable to take up the course. He is believed to live in Norton.

The owner of Florios, Ignazio Flores, said Mr Nana, whom they knew only as Vicenzo or Vinnie, had worked at the restaurant since February 1994.

He said the first he knew that anything was wrong was on Friday lunchtime when he saw a police car at the back of the restaurant.

He was approached by a man in plain clothes who said he was from the Immigration Service and questioned everyone working in the kitchen before leaving with Mr Nana.

A number of customers had offered to sign a petition supporting him. "He always had the time to spend with people, even when he was very busy, having a joke, especially with the children, making funny shapes with balloons. He was very clever."

Former mayor of Malton Martin Dales, who visited Mr Nana over the weekend, said: "No-one is saying what he's done is right, but I think it's unfortunate that it's been done like this. Organising bail for him would have been more appropriate.

A Home Office spokesman confirmed Mr Nana had been issued with a date to leave Britain in 1994 but had overstayed.

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