Charities say refugees are being assaulted by private security teams hired to forcibly deport them from the UK.

More than 300 assaults are alleged to have taken place since January 2004.

The incidents include accusations of excessive force, beatings and racial abuse, resulting in injuries ranging from handcuff-bruised wrists, to swollen faces, and fractured ribs, wrists and ankles.

The abuse has been detailed by groups co-ordinating the representation and medical care of failed asylum-seekers.

The report says: "This dossier provides evidence of widespread and seemingly systematic abuse of one of the most vulnerable communities of people in our society.

"We consider the evidence in this report reveals what may amount to state sanctioned violence, for which ultimate responsibility lies with the Home Office."

The publication of the report follows up on similar allegations made in October 2007.

Former chief inspector of prisons, Lord David Ramsbotham, said: "The Home Office should recognise that our national reputation is not something to be treated lightly or wantonly, and that, if even one of the cases is substantiated, that amounts to something of a preventable national disgrace."

Dr Frank Arnold, a volunteer doctor with Medical Justice, said: "I have seen many serious injuries with long lasting effects, crushing of nerves at the wrist from forceful pulling on handcuffs, limitation of neck movement by patients whose heads were pushed under aircraft seats, numbness of the face after blows around the cheek and eye.

"I have also seen a dislocated wrist, giant bruises and swellings the size of my fist."

Most of the assaults are alleged to have taken place as the failed asylum-seekers were transported for deportation.

Three security firms - Group4Securicor, International Trading Agency Overseas Escorts Ltd and RSI Immigration Services Ltd - are approved by the Government to carry out the forced removals.

Allegations of assault were made by people from over 41 countries. Two thirds of the complainants were men. Five children also alleged assault.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.