One person without a home is one too many – this is the sentiment of the chairman of Sidmouth Town Council who has expressed his sadness at the discovery of a homeless man's body in the town this morning.
Police and ambulance paramedics were called to the Port Royal shelter on the seafront after the discovery of the man, who was thought to be in his 50s.
The man, who was understood to be homeless, was discovered by an East Devon District Council StreetScene worker at around 7.45am and called 999.
Councillor John Hollick, chairman of the town council, said: "It's a shock when anyone dies, no matter what the circumstances.
"At this time of year, the weather is not conducive to being outside for any length of time, and it's a great pity this has happened."
He added: "Homelessness is not common in Sidmouth and it's one or two on odd occasions. But even one person without a home is one too many."
A police spokesperson confirmed that ambulance paramedics pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
The man's identity is known to police.
The spokesperson confirmed that his death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
