Asylum seekers at Campsfield detention centre in Kidlington could be in line for millions of pounds in Government compensation for being kept against their will.

Home Office officials have admitted that if a current High Court case, brought by refugees at Oakington detention centre in Cambridge, goes against them, they may have to prepare themselves for similar judicial reviews.

Four Iraqi Kurds claim their detention at Oakington violated their human rights. Later this month, it is expected that Mr Justice Collins, who is overseeing the case, will say that locking up thousands of asylum seekers is a breach of their rights to security and liberty.

Although the Government's three other units, including Campsfield, are only used to house people thought to have broken the law, or likely to break it, a Home Office spokesman said more detainees may decide to launch similar High Court proceedings.

He said: "We're satisfied that detention at Oakington is entirely lawful, but if it was an adverse hearing for us then there certainly could be implications."

The Government may have to pay out £90m for the Oakington case. If Campsfield asylum seekers also take up legal action and win, it could cost up to £60m in damages.