The UK government is facing a fresh hurdle in its bid to deport Shabir Ahmed, one of the ringleaders of the Rochdale child grooming gang, after Pakistan reportedly refused to accept him, saying he is no longer a Pakistani citizen.

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or…

Shabir Ahmed, 73, is leaving HMP Leeds on Thursday and will begin civilian life in a bail hostel in the north of England, costing taxpayers around £120 a night.