Afghan asylum seeker is arrested for ‘harassing schoolgirls’ after migrants were moved into £500,000 home in leafy Surrey village without telling residents

An Afghan asylum seeker arrested for harassing schoolgirls was housed in an unlicensed £500,000 hostel just yards from a village primary school.

The dangerous crash came to light when the man, in his 20s, was detained by police after a number of children were approached outside Laleham Church of England Primary School in Surrey.

The migrant was subjected to further assessment in a secure facility under the Mental Health Act.

It has since emerged that authorities placed the migrant in a nearby Multi-Occupational Home (HMO) without a risk assessment.

Parents said to have been targeted by the suspect accused the Labor Government of endangering children by secretly moving asylum seekers to their peaceful villages.

One of them said: ‘This raises serious questions about current security measures and gives little reassurance to residents that appropriate checks are in place, especially in an area with a large number of families and so close to a primary school.

‘The current situation is untenable and residents deserve clear assurance that their safety and the welfare of local children is being prioritized.’

Local MP Lincoln Jopp said it was “incredible” that the suspect was “living in an unlicensed HMO supported by the Home Office, a stone’s throw from the primary school”.

It has since emerged that authorities placed the migrant in a nearby Multi-Occupational Home (HMO) without a risk assessment.

He challenged Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions, demanding to know ‘who screwed things up’ and ‘who was responsible for the risk assessment that got him there’.

The Prime Minister said he could not discuss the matter as it was subject to a ‘live police investigation’.

But he added: ‘Can I reassure him that all accommodation must comply with contractual standards? The Home Office works with the police to manage all facilities safely.

‘Local authorities will be consulted before any accommodation is provided and any offers may be objected to.

‘Where there is strong evidence that a site is unsuitable it will not be proceeded with.’

But local authority Spelthorne Borough Council said they had not been consulted about plans to house asylum seekers on the property.

In a statement, the council said: ‘We are aware that the man identified is a resident of a Multi-Occupational Home supported by the Home Office.

‘This appears to have happened without the Home Office’s normal risk assessment and communication with local agencies.

‘The council has written directly to the Home Office demanding an explanation and assurances that this will not happen again.’

A spokesman added: ‘We know this issue has caused concern among local parents and Surrey Police are working with the school and local community to keep them informed.

‘We are aware of some tensions in the community but ask people to remain calm and allow police to conduct the investigation and ask residents not to speculate or share unconfirmed information on social media.

Authorities placed an Afghan asylum seeker in a Multi-Occupational Home (pictured) without a risk assessment

‘Protecting our children, as well as the police, remains our top priority.’

In a letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, Mr Jopp said: ‘There could have been tragic consequences if Surrey Police had not acted so quickly.

‘It has since been revealed that he resided in an unlicensed HMO supported by the Home Office and that this occurred without the normal risk assessment and communication from the Home Office to local agencies.

‘As you can imagine, my constituents are understandably very concerned about the safety of their children and indeed their own safety.

‘I would be grateful if you would investigate this matter urgently.’

Surrey Police said: ‘A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of harassment on Thursday (April 16) following reports that a man was approaching people outside Laleham Church of England Primary School.

‘The man, an Afghan national, was detained under the Mental Health Act following further assessment and is currently awaiting further treatment and assessment in a secure facility.’