Josette Ishimwe is said to be deeply distressed at the situation

Josette Ishimwe, 23, came to England after escaping genocide in her country in 1994, and settled in Bristol.

Although the threat of deportation has been lifted, Ms Ishimwe will stay at St Nicholas of Tolentino Church in Easton to avoid being taken into custody.

Father Richard McKay, priest of St Nicholas, has said he is prepared to go to prison to stop her being deported.

Miss Ishimwe, who was just 13 when she saw her mother, father and other family members murdered, is said to be severely distressed at the prospect of deportation.

She is being cared for by parishioners at the vicarage.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said two officers had gone to the church on Thursday morning in support of immigration officers, but that a decision had been taken not to arrest her at that time.

A Home Office spokesman said: "We are not able to discuss individual cases but if she has failed her appeal she will be expected to leave the country."