Adam Zahir, who owns a house in Wesham, was the police commissioner in the Maldives until last year.

The island's government, voted out in elections in November, was accused of human rights abuses, including imprisoning opponents of the regime.

Mariyam Manike, whose son Eevan Nasseem died in prison in the Maldives, has launched a civil action against the Maldives' defence ministry and wants Mr Zahir, who is in his 50s, to give evidence in court.

She has also called for the British government to look at human rights issues in the Maldives because of Mr Zahir's links to the UK.

Mr Zahir owns a home in London, as well as a semi-detached house in Alexandra Road, a quiet cul-de-sac in Wesham.

Mrs Manike said: "It is only natural the British government should look into this. This is a matter of conscience."

Neighbours in Alexandra Road were shocked to find leaflets from foreign activists posted through their doors in September 2006.

The pamphlets outlined opposition to Mr Zahir's alleged involvement with the Maldives' oppressive government regime.

A notice and posters were also plastered on the front of Mr Zahir's house.

A neighbour in Wesham said: "We used to see his wife and you'd hear children playing basketball out the back, but we haven't seen them in weeks and the cars haven't moved off their drive."

A Home Office spokesman declined to comment on Mr Zahir or Mrs Manike's comments.