And finally…Bank of England anti-homeless slope sparks outrage

An ‘anti-homeless’ slope installed on steps outside a Bank of England building in Liverpool city centre has been partially dismantled after being condemned for its callous treatment of rough sleepers.

The device is thought to have been installed to stop rough sleepers congregating on the steps of bank on the city’s Castle Street.

However, passersby criticised the move, with one even branding it a “scar on the face of Liverpool.”

It is thought the slope, which appeared last week, was partially destroyed by Sunday evening - but it is not yet known who is responsible for doing so.

Last week, the local ECHO newspaper asked those passing the building what they thought of the device.

One said: “I think it’s hideous. It’s horrible. They’ve got nowhere to go - there were no warning signs. What are they meant to do now?“

Another also expressed her anger, saying: “My first reaction was I thought it was incredibly selfish of whoever owns the premises to take away the only place that the homeless can stay.”

By Sunday evening a group of volunteers - who described themselves as humanitarian activists - gathered at the steps to hand out warm food and clothing to the rough sleepers affected by the slope.

One said: “We think the slope was absolutely disgusting. It’s inhumane - but we’ve no idea who has done this.

“We turned up to take donations - we don’t take money but we take food, clothes and stuff and part of it has gone. We don’t want people to think this had anything to do with us.”

After seeing the news about the slope, the group - who wished to remain anonymous for fear of being linked to the removal - decided to gather at the Bank of England as a place to hand out food and clothing.