A London immigration firm has been forced temporarily to close its office after it was subject to racist attacks - culminating in a firebombing incident last week - in a vendetta it says is linked to the type of work the firm undertakes.

Camberwell-based Russell Stanley, run by sole principal Emenike Mgbemena, has suffered four break-ins this year alone, during which the offenders daubed the walls with racist graffiti, stole computers and destroyed documents.

Mr Mgbemena told the Gazette that his employees were petrified and he feared for his own life after going to work one day to be greeted by graffiti that included death threats.

'We secured the premises so [a week later] they threw fire into the office and broke the windows,' he added.

The firm subsequently shut down the office to undertake repairs, although it is still continuing with its caseload.

Mr Mgbemena said he believed the attacks could be partly down to the firm's focus on immigration and asylum work.

'Most of my clients are from ethnic minorities,' he explained.

Southwark Police is investigating the incidents.

Paula Rohan