Irish police surround Afghans in cathedral

Reports circulated yesterday that the protesters in St Patrick's Cathedral, who have been on hunger strike for six days, were threatening to commit suicide.

Group members claimed their lives would be in danger if they were returned to Afghanistan. Samander Kahan, 19, a hunger-striker, said they were resisting police moves to remove them. He said: "The young people have ropes and razors and have tried to kill themselves ... There is no justice in Ireland ... We are calling to other nations to help us."

Earlier yesterday the authorities made a successful legal application to have seven minors, all 17, in the cathedral to be made wards of court.