Homeless man found hanged in high-support hostel in centre

QUESTIONS are set to be asked of a high-support hostel in Bristol after a man was found hanged in there last month.

Jay Hopper, right, was only 34 years old when he was found dead in the Jamaica Street hostel, which is run by Riverside.

The hostel, near Stokes Croft, is listed as high-support emergency accommodation with staff round-the-clock and support workers to help tenants.

Those who move in have to be 18 or older and the housing centre is catered to those facing homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues.

An inquest into his death has now been opened and adjourned to next year, Avon Coroners Court heard.

Emergency services were called to the hostel on November 23 after Mr Hopper was found hanged.

Paramedics had tried to revive the young man but to no avail. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem into his death has now been carried out and early indications to the court showed he had little contact with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

The court will hear from his partner, cousin, and the police officers who arrived at the scene.

A spokesperson for Riverside said a police investigation on behalf of the coroner is now underway.

She said: “We are all shocked and saddened at this tragic news. A police investigation is now underway into the circumstances leading up to this incident and we are providing our full support.”

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset police said: “Police were called to a concern for welfare incident at the Jamaica Street hostel by the ambulance service just before 3.30am on Friday 23 November.

“A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and police are preparing a report for the coroner.”