Homeless man is found dead in Belfast city centre
A homeless man has died on the streets of Belfast city centre.
The man was found in the Keylands Place area, at the back of Robinson’s bar.
It is not yet known how the man died. Police sealed off the area on Friday afternoon.
They said they are not treating the death as suspicious.
Belfast Deputy Mayor Emmet McDonough-Brown said the death was a tragedy.
“Every death on our city streets is sad,” he said. “I am mindful of the need to do more for the homeless people of Belfast.
“While there are services, often people do not avail of them. And I would encourage anyone with influence to speak to those people sleeping rough and to direct them toward help.”
The death comes after a man was found dead in the doorway of a High Street shop in the city centre last month. Belfast City Council parties have united to focus on the homeless issue in the city, although ultimately the responsibility lies with the Housing Executive.
Homeless organisations have estimated that around a dozen people sleep rough at nights in Belfast. However, they say all are offered accommodation which can often be refused.
Some homeless people can be fearful of sleeping in a hostel with other rough sleepers.
“This is a growing problem,” added Mr McDonough-Brown, “but we have to be led by statis- tics. Obviously there are people that need help.
“The council has been applying pressure and we need the Department for Communities, and the other statutory organisations to help the services that already exist and ensure there is adequate funding.”
A PSNI spokeswoman added: “Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden dea th of a man in Keylands Place in Belfast city centre. The death is not thought to be suspicious at this time.”