Arson attack on homeless couple in Winchester is condemned

The incident took place in Jewry Street at around 9pm on Friday, March 25 in the doorway of an empty retail unit, previously occupied by the Sofa Workshop.

A couple, named locally as Terry and Selina, had been sleeping in the recessed doorway for a number of days.

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However, while they were away on Friday, items belonging to them, including a shopping trolley and sleeping bags, were set alight - and police are now investigating the incident as arson.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed they believe the belongings were deliberately set on fire, not the store itself.

Cllr John Tippett-Cooper, councillor for St Bartholomew Ward, said: "It is an abhorrent and cruel attack on someone who is already experiencing real hardship.

"Homeless people are at a high risk of being victims of crime and need all the support possible from relevant authorities."

Lee Hayes, a project worker at The Beacon, a homeless shelter in Jewry Street, was on duty when the couple were brought to them by police.

He said the charity provided them with hot drinks and new blankets, but could not take them in as they were full.

He said: "You don't want to think that somebody has done it deliberately. It would be awful to think someone would do that on purpose.

"For them ,this fire is no different to someone losing all their possessions. Having sleeping bags and blankets could be the difference of getting through the night. If someone has done this on purpose it is quite shocking."

A man who has been homeless in Winchester on and off for more than 10 years, who wanted to remain anonymous, said this was not the first attack on homeless people in the city in recent months.

He said he had been attacked while sleeping - and he called for people to show compassion to those on the streets.

He said: "Their life was in that doorway. This is like losing your home, even worse they are on the streets with nothing.

"Now they have to get all their blankets again just to make themselves comfortable. It's disgusting."

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Council leader Lucille Thompson said: "It is quite shocking for all quarters."

A police spokeswoman urged people to get in touch if they saw anything.

She said: "Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone who witnessed anything or has any information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference 44220119191."

Jewry Street was closed for a while when the firefighters dealt with the incident.

Firefighters from Alresford and Whitchurch left the scene at 10pm and the road was reopened.

A spokesman from Winchester City Council said: “Winchester City Council in partnership with other local services take the wellbeing of homeless residents very seriously.

"We’re working with Hampshire Constabulary and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service and do not have enough information to comment further on the events of Friday night."

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Kimberley Barber