Police engage with growing numbers of rough sleepers camped outside Town Hall

Image courtesy of GMP

This morning (Tuesday), Greater Manchester Police's neighbourhood officers were supporting Manchester City Council in engaging with the increasing number of rough sleepers camped outside St Peter’s Square and Mount Street.

This follows the recent increase in the number of tents set up outside of Town Hall since the camp was created on March 23, creating an inadequate environment for those in need in the area, council staff, and the wider public.

This complex problem required a partnership response to help solve, which police helped facilitate today alongside Manchester City Council homelessness and community safety, with support from translators and charities.

GMP insist its priority is to ensure the people within the encampment feel safe, as well as the wider public.

As a result of the interaction, 51 people or 91% of those in the encampment have been supported by specialist partner services, including receiving temporary accommodation.

The remaining five people declined to engage with the support offered.  

Superintendent Nicola Williams said: “We are thankful the majority of the people were receptive to engaging with us today, and ultimately accepted offers of support and temporary accommodation.

“Officers will continue to patrol around the Town Hall.

"We are there to help and are committed to supporting the council and partner agencies in engaging with rough sleepers and directing them to appropriate support services, to ensure they get the care they need.”

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