The sun was shining and it was a lovely Saturday early summer  afternoon in Winchester. But the day was darkened by a terrible event on Middle Brook Street.

A homeless man called Ben O'Brien died on the street, in public as people were going about their business, shopping, going to the park, visiting friends.

Passers-by administered first aid, the emergency services took over and battled to save Mr O'Brien's life, under a gazebo and behind screens to give him privacy in his last moments.

 

(Image: Contributed)There was a huge police response because initially the death might have been suspicious but now the cause of death is unexplained. It will probably be one for the coroner to look into.

What is clear though is how highly regarded Mr O'Brien was with a lot of friends and acquaintances who liked him for his polite and cheerful nature in the face of personal issues.

Mr O'Brien was known to the staff and users of the Trinity Centre in Durngate and its chief executive Sue McKenna spoke of her sadness at his death. She also highlighted work at the centre to provide more accommodation for vulnerable people such as Mr O'Brien. This is welcome news because for the last 15 years investment in helping people such as Mr O'Brien has not kept up with demand. It will be interesting to see if that changes at some point following the General Election.