More than 200 suspected war criminals including Sri Lankans are on the loose in the UK, shock figures revealed yesterday. But those responsible for atrocities such as mass murder and rape cannot be sent back to their home countries — because of EU human rights laws.

The fugitives — many of them asylum seekers — are mainly from Afghanistan, Iraq, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.

The UK Border Agency has recommended action against 207 suspects in the past 18 months. Only 12 have been deported.

Campaigners are calling on Scotland Yard to set up a war crimes unit after the figures were released under Freedom of Information rules.

London-based pressure group Redress said more robust action is needed to stop war criminals “treating the UK as a safe haven”.

The Border Agency said it is “determined” to act, the Sun reports.