Preston police have launched an investigated after a homeless man was assaulted in Fishergate.

A homeless man, aged in his 50s, was assaulted in Fishergate on 9th December, 2023 and suffered a fractured eye socket.

Since the assault was reported to the police, they have conducted a number of enquiries and now we are asking for the public’s help on the matter.

Police now want to speak with the man as part of the investigation.

If anyone has information as to who the man might be, or witnessed the assault, please call 101 – quoting log 0441 of 9th December 2023 – or email 5491@lancashire.police.uk.

Jeff Marsh, CEO of the Foxton Centre, told Blog Preston after the attack: “This is really sad news, unfortunately homeless people face violence on our streets on a regular basis, research by the charity Crisis show a rising tide of violence against the homeless, of those surveyed there was a rise from 48% of the homeless having experienced violence in 2016 to 61% in 2023, 53% have had items thrown at them including bricks and beer cans and one in five reported that someone had urinated on or next to them.

“This evidence collected nationally reflects information we hear from the homeless in Preston, your readers may remember a shocking video that circulated a few years ago of a rough sleepers sleeping bag being set alight in the city.

“Thankfully Preston also has many really caring people who help the homeless volunteering for charities like The Foxton Centre and just sharing a kind word with people on the street.

“Violence and abuse is another reason why we need the right kind of accommodation and support for rough sleepers.”

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