A MAN who has been sleeping rough in the Corringham area has been found dead on Christmas Eve morning.

The man, known as Jimmy, was well known in the area and was frequently helped and supported by local residents, was found in the Grover Walk shopping precinct this morning (24 December) after an alarm was raised.

Thurrock Nub News understands that some hours earlier police officers on patrol had checked on the man and offered him the opportunity to be taken to a warm shelter. But, as has often been his way, the man refused the help.

Sometime later people passing heard concerning noises from where the man was sheltering and raised the alarm but by the time emergency services arrived he had passed.

During the day floral tributes were placed at the scene.

Emergency services have been contacted for a formal statement.

Recently local people expressed outrage when one of the town centre properties glued bricks and stones onto paving on an adjacent pathway to stop him taking shelter there. They were quickly removed after the owners received a health and safety warning.