ROUGH SLEEPER FOUND DEAD IN CITY CENTRE
A MAN has died on St Mary Street prompting calls for all rough sleepers to seek available shelter.
The man tragically died on the well known Cardiff street at around 7.30pm on Monday.
Cardiff council said the man had been sleeping outside despite having accommodation in the city.
Homeless people in the city said he was known to spend time on the streets in the city centre.
Police said that he was “unresponsive” when he was spotted on St Mary Street on Monday night.
Officers performed CPR until an ambulance arrived and took him to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he died.
A spokeswoman said that he was believed to be from the Llanrumney area and efforts were being made to contact next of kin.
Cardiff council’s cabinet member for housing Lynda Thorne said that the authority’s officials had been working with the man to “encourage him to return to his accommodation every night”.
In a statement, Cllr Thorne said: “I am deeply saddened to hear that a man passed away in the city centre last night and my condolences go to his family and friends at this time.
“The gentleman had a tenancy in the city and our outreach team were working with him trying to encourage him to return to his own accommodation every night. The police will now be trying to establish the reason for his death.
“I know our team have been deeply affected by this tragic incident and we won’t give up trying to help people who are on the streets.
“Our Outreach team do their very best providing support and advice to those sleeping rough and they work every day trying to convince people to come in and take up accommodation and support services or to return to their own accommodation when they have it.
“I know there are people who want to help the homeless and I would ask the public to encourage those sleeping rough to engage with services and not to stay out on the street.”
She went on to plead with rough sleeps to come inside, saying they were “waiting to help”.
She added: “There is no need for anyone to sleep outside.
“We have more than 90 extra spaces this winter in a number of different hostels and shelters and there has been availability every night despite the increased demand that we see during the winter. The hostels can cater for a range of needs including couples and those with dogs.
“Although some of our hostels do cater for very chaotic people, staff are on hand to ensure that they remain safe.
“Sadly, some people still choose to stay out, but we will keep on trying to convince them to come in.
“I want people to know that we are not going to give up on them. We’re waiting to help you. Please let us. Please, come in tonight.”
A spokesman for South Wales Police added: “Enquiries are also continuing to establish the circumstances leading to his sudden and unexplained death.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police 101 quoting occurrence number 467009.
“South Wales Police works closely with Cardiff council and the voluntary sectors in supporting vulnerable people on city centre streets.”
“We continue to encourage vulnerable people to engage with the many support agencies and outreach services available in Cardiff.”