Yahoo News Homeless man left with burn injuries after his tent was set on fire while he was inside
A homeless man has been left with burn injuries after his tent was set on fire while he was still inside.
The man, who has not been named, was treated in hospital after the incident on Queen Street on Cardiff.
A South Wales Police spokesperson said the force was investigating as criminal damage and trying to identify the person responsible.
Wales Ambulance Service confirmed staff responded and took the man to the University Hospital of Wales.
Cardiff Council said members of its homelessness outreach team had accompanied the man to hospital for treatment, and would continue to encourage homeless people to use shelter and hostel accommodation available in the city.
A spokesperson said: “We’re appealing to all those who sleep out at night to come into the wide range of accommodation in the city and begin using the services that can help move them away from life on the streets.”
Matt Downie, director of policy and external affairs at homelessness charity Crisis, said: “For anyone sleeping on the street, life can be a struggle just to survive. Rough sleepers are 17 times more likely to be victims of violence and 15 times more likely to suffer abuse.
“Perhaps equally troubling, our research shows 53% of abuse and violence against rough sleepers goes unreported to the police, mainly due to the expectation that nothing will be done.
“With at least 9,000 people across Britain sleeping rough this winter, and thousands more hidden in cars, tents and on public transport, significant action can’t come soon enough.
“In the short term, it’s vital that the victims of these disproportionately frequent attacks feel able to approach the authorities for support. But ultimately, they must also be given the dedicated help they need to leave the streets behind for good.”
