Death fears for charity over rough sleeper attacks

A number of attacks and threats against rough sleepers in a town has sparked a police investigation and left a charity concerned somebody could die.

Five homeless people suffered violence or threats in Shrewsbury in the past week with some of them needing hospital treatment, Shrewsbury Ark posted on Facebook.

One person reported being stabbed and a member of the Ark's support team said: "We're genuinely worried someone will die."

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said they were aware of several vulnerable people in the town centre being attacked "in recent weeks" and an investigation was under way.

A spokesperson for the Ark said many rough sleepers felt reluctant to speak out "due to fear and vulnerability".

But they said one woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she was woken at 03:00 BST on one recent night when she was punched in the head by a man who had been walking with a woman.

"I was terrified. I'm a woman on my own and I was in shock and in pain," they reported she said.

"I've been attacked three times by strangers while on the streets but this was the most frightening."

Rose Greenslade, the manager of the Ark Day Centre, said the report of a stabbing was "utterly terrifying".

"It is very concerning and worrying that attacks like these seem to go unnoticed," she added.

Shrewsbury Ark said it was working with Shropshire Council to support the rough sleepers and encouraged them to report any attacks.

They also asked people to report any assaults on homeless people or any suspicious behaviour.

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