An Iranian journalist facing deportation has spoken of his fears of being imprisoned and tortured.

Amir Hassan, who ran one of Iran's first private internet companies, was seized from his home at 6am by five police officers in Lansdowne Place, Hove, last November.

Only a friend's last-minute dash to Heathrow airport with crucial papers prevented him being put on a plane and sent back to Iran and he has been fighting deportation since then.

He said: "It makes me wonder why they had to come at 6am with five police officers.

"I had had a few similar experiences in Iran but it was a surprise in this country. I felt they treated me like I was a murderer.

"I was very upset. I thought if they returned me to my country I would be imprisoned immediately. I would not see my family again and I would also miss everything I had established here. I would lose both sides of my life."

Mr Hassan's company employed 50 employees and used computers which accessed the internet through satellites.

He said: "I wanted to introduce Iran to other countries and show something different to the sort of things you see on television.

"The revolution took place in 1979 but we have more than 4,000 years of culture."

Running a media company in Iran requires a special licence from the Ministry of Culture, which Mr Hassan obtained.

But the authorities began to crack down on his activities and he was arrested several times and sent warning letters.

Eventually the authorities closed his office and confiscated all his computer and satellite equipment and money.

Mr Hassan claims a leading government official attacked him and broke his nose after inviting him to his office to discuss his problems.

He fled to Britain in December 2004, leaving his wife and six-year-old son behind.

A friend who helped him is believed to have been sentenced to six months in prison.

His two asylum applications were turned down but he is awaiting the result of a fresh appeal and has the support of Hove MP Celia Barlow, who has criticised the way the Home Office handled his case.

Important documents cancelling Mr Hassan's deportation did not reach the people they were meant for and it was only the efforts of his friends and support workers that saved him. The Home Office has since apologised for its handling of the case.

After Mr Hassan left Iran, his wife received phone calls asking where he was. She has since changed address twice.

If his appeal succeeds he can bring his wife and child to England to be with him.

He said: "I think of my family every second. Also I want to work as a journalist and researcher again. It's my job and I love it."

Mr Hassan is not allowed to take on paid work so he is being taught by volunteers to improve his English and is also writing about his experiences.