Man sleeping in bin dies after waste lorry incident

A waste management company has said it is "deeply saddened" after a homeless man found sleeping in one of its bins died after an incident involving a refuse lorry.

Northamptonshire Police said it was called to Wellington Street in Northampton at about 03:00 GMT on 31 October.

The force said the man, who has not been named, sustained serious injuries and died on 6 November.

A spokesman for Veolia said its driver "acted quickly at the scene" and it was fully cooperating with the police investigation.

The police force said: "There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and we have prepared a report for the coroner.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

A Veolia spokesman confirmed a sleeping man was found in one of its bins, as first reported by Northampton Chronical and Echo.

"We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones of the person who has passed away," he said.

"Our driver acted quickly at the scene and we will continue to support them.

"Sadly, in the winter months we see an increase in the number of people taking shelter in bins.

"We will continue to work with colleagues and clients to raise awareness of this."

Stan Robertson, from homeless charity Project 16:15, said the rough sleeper was known to local agencies and that his team would be supporting the "community at this sad time".

"He was found - when the bin was emptied - in a stable but critical condition," said Mr Robertson.

"This is the first street death we've had in a while and every time we lose someone it's devastating.

"The lorry driver must also be devastated."

West Northamptonshire Council described it as "an incredibly tragic incident" and offered its "heartfelt thoughts" to the victim's family and friends.

The waste firm was running an independent commercial contract that was not related to the council, the spokeswoman said.

She said the man was not known to the Reform-UK led council and had not accessed its outreach support services.

"We encourage anyone who is worried about someone sleeping rough, or who is sleeping rough themselves, to let our outreach team know by using Street Link," she added.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.