Hartlepool dancing star stranded in Dubai amid police dispute
A Hartlepool actor and dancer is in limbo after finding himself stranded thousands of miles from home amid an ongoing police investigation.
Ali Rasul, 25, was performing as a dancer at Global Village, in Dubai, back in December when he fell on stage and injured his spine.
A dispute with his employer and insurance company followed over who should pay for his £3,000 medical expenses.
When he aired his grievances on social media, Ali says police were alerted and have issued him with a travel ban while they investigate the matter.
In the meantime, he is unable to work due to his back pain and may require surgery.
He said: "I am in a lot of pain with my back but the pain of all of this is making it worse.”
Ali said the British Embassy told him it is unable to assist him.
He added: “I have few living relatives who can help. My dad is dead and my brother is dead. I just have my sister.”
The body of his brother, 23-year-old Mohammed Shaan Ali Rasul, was discovered at a house in Allerton Close, Hartlepool, on November 23 of last year.
Ali said: “I came out here as a distraction from home life. It is not defeating me.
"It is a hurdle, a speed bump. But it will make me into a stronger person.”
Ali, who played Billy Elliot in a West End musical back in 2014, said: “It does not seem real but it is, and it’s happening to me. I need to stay strong.”
His former employer, E4 Entertainment, referred the Mail to the police when we contacted the company.
Dubai Police have still to respond to our questions.