A “SCARED” man with learning disabilities who was trafficked into the UK looks set to stay in Southampton after refusing to get in a taxi taking him to the airport.

As previously reported by the Echo, the man - known only as Asan - was booked on a plane back to Romania in the early hours of yesterday despite thousands of people signing a petition to keep him in the country.

Asan, in his 20s, suffers from severe learning difficulties and is described by campaigners as a “trafficked Romanian orphan”.

But confusion and mystery surrounds the exact circumstances which led to more than 6,000 signing a petition to help him.

The Echo understands Asan was not actually facing enforced deportation.

Bosses at Southampton Mencap, which has been providing day care services for Asan, say Southampton City Council made an application for a voluntary assisted return on his behalf, which was subsequently granted by the Home Office.

But when a taxi arrived to take a “distressed” Asan to Luton Airport, he refused to get in.

The Echo has since been told that it is likely he will now be allowed to remain in the city.

Elly Iles, activities manager at Southampton Mencap, said: “This has had a massive impact on Asan, he’s tearful and anxious.

“At the heart of this is a young man with a learning disability, he was scared and didn’t know what would be waiting for him in Romania.”

It is unclear exactly why an application for a voluntary assisted return was made to the Home Office.

The city council said yesterday: “Mr A did not travel to Romania as planned and remains accommodated by the council in Southampton.

“The official solicitor has appointed a solicitor to act on Mr A’s behalf. The council will continue to meet Mr A’s immediate needs while the matter is being determined. The council will continue to work with the Home Office over his immigration status.”

The Home Office said it did not comment on individual cases.