New Malden resident Bisher al-Rawi is to be sent home from Guantanamo Bay within the next 72 hours after British diplomats secured his release.

Mr al-Rawi, an Iraqi citizen who has lived in Britain since he was 16, was arrested by the CIA in Gambia in November 2002 where he was helping his brother Wahab set up a peanut factory.

Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett read the news of his release out in Parliament earlier today, and a Commons statement is due to be given within the next hour.

After more than four years in captivity, friends and relatives have been concerned about Mr al-Rawi's deteriorating state of mind.

Kingston and Surbiton MP Edward Davey made an appeal in Parliament for his release in January.

A spokesman from the Reprieve charity said a formal statement would follow, but said: "It is fabulous news that he is being brought home and we welcome that. But he is the only British resident being released, and there are a number of residents still in Guantanamo Bay."