Questions to answer after death of man rough-sleeping during Blackpool storm
PLUS: Blackpool Victoria Hospital will be part of a nationwide probe into maternity services
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The death of a man who was rough-sleeping during in a storm in Blackpool has rightly been declared a tragedy.
An inquest will follow the determine the circumstances of his death in an official manner, but it appears clear that he was killed by a falling ‘branch’ during the storm earlier this week. Branch, unfortunately, doesn’t really do justice to the tree that fell during high winds.
The death has, understandably to some extent, resulted in people asking questions of why a man from Blackpool was forced to sleep rough while, as a country, we are capable of housing asylum seekers.
And while that sentiment is a shareable Facebook post nowhere near enough is known about the circumstances of the man sleeping in that park to make any judgement.
The extent to which the man was offered support and housing options will be examined by Blackpool Council, and later by an inquest, in the future. First, the man’s next-of-kin need to be identified.
We report on that tragedy today - and the latest investigations that will be taking place at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
Authorities investigating after death of man rough-sleeping during Blackpool storm
By Luke Beardsworth
Police and the local authority are trying to identify the next-of-kin of a man who died in a Blackpool park.
A member of the public called the police at around 4.55am on Monday (15 September) with a report that a tree branch had fallen on a tent and struck a man at Revoe Park.
The man, in his 40s, was confirmed dead at the scene.
Blackpool Council said it is working to understand how the man came to be sleeping in the park.
A spokesperson for Blackpool Council said: “This morning we were notified of a tragic incident at Revoe Park. During high winds a branch has fallen from a mature tree.
“The police have informed us that a man has sadly died after being struck by the falling branch.
“We are awaiting further information to understand the circumstances that led to him sleeping in the park. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time.”
The Blackpool Lead understands members from Blackpool Council’s outreach team visit rough sleepers to offer support and advice on most days.
They might share information about times for soup kitchens, offers of programmes to access accommodation, drug and alcohol support, health referrals or just conversation.
In winter, all rough sleepers will be offered accommodation if temperatures drop to zero or below for three consecutive nights.
But the severe weather emergency protocol, which triggers more intense efforts from the council to engage with people sleeping rough, would not automatically apply during a storm.
Blackpool Council, along with much of the country, was under a yellow weather warning for wind at the time of the incident with the Met Office specifically warning about a potential danger to life.
Images shared by news sources after the incident claimed to show the tent of the deceased man ‘just discarded in the bin’.
However, The Blackpool Lead was told that the tent was taken away by Lancashire Constabulary as part of their investigation.
The death has resulted in a number of people comparing the treatment received by homeless people to asylum seekers and some of those questions were directed to Chris Webb, Labour’s MP for Blackpool South.
He said: “It is entirely wrong to co-opt this tragedy to fuel division and hate. Every single person deserves the dignity of a safe roof over their head, no matter who they are or where they’re from.
“Blackpool Council, which supports homeless people and provides emergency accommodation, is seeking to understand the circumstances of why this man was in a tent. If members of the public are worried about someone on the streets, the best thing they can do is contact Blackpool Council’s Housing Options.
“Sadly, some people face complex challenges – often around mental health or addiction – which can make it hard to take up support that is available. That’s why we must tackle the root causes of homelessness as well as provide crisis support.
“The man who lost his life deserved safety and dignity. The best way we can honour him is by redoubling our efforts to tackle homelessness in Blackpool – whether that’s pressing for more support from government, or raising the alarm when we see someone sleeping rough in our community.”
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