Shock and sadness as tributes are paid to homeless man who died in Leeds

The man, who has not yet been identified, was found in the early hours of the morning on 4 December and is one of eight other homeless people to die in Leeds in the last 12 months.

Charity Simon on the Streets, which works to support the homeless community in the Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield areas, led the tributes to the man, writing on its Facebook page: "Just received the tragic news that a long term rough sleeper in Leeds and one of our service users has passed away.

"He was a lovely man, well known to services and the public alike. RIP."

Since the news broke of his death, further tributes expressing shock and sadness have been pouring in on Facebook:

Marie Lumb: "I hope he can be identified and family members can then be found. R.I.P young man."

Sam Scholey: "Aw bless him. There's just no reason people should be homeless this day and age. The system is a let down."

Sue Myers: "Disgusting in this day and age. Poor soul. Why don’t they open library’s unused buildings, churches, anything, other than people sleeping on streets. Government should hang their heads in shame."

Sue Bracha: "So sad, this should not be happening. RIP."

Caroline Lawrence Baum: "Very sad to here this is still allowed to happen. Open the churches and let them sleep."

Mary Irvine: "RIP. How tragic is this in this day and age. The money this government send abroad billions of pounds and here these poor people are left to die on our streets."

Jeni Sword-Williams: "This is absolutely tragic in this one of the richest countries in the world."

Jenny Rose: "Awful seeing these poor people in Leeds City Centre, it shouldn't be happening in this day and age."

Jezza Jay: "Something has got to be done it's so heartbreaking xxx."

Jessicaa Wilkinsonn: "God bless him! How horrible I wish more would be done for these poor people. RIP."