'Tough love' for city's homeless

Police chief Peter Fahy said rough sleepers made people feel unsafe

"Tough love" is what police have to show when they move on homeless people sleeping rough on Manchester's streets, the force's chief constable has said.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Peter Fahy said it was unacceptable for people to beg and sleep rough on the streets.

He stressed the importance of finding alternative answers and said that help was available for the homeless.

The city council said it could arrange for safe, secure accommodation.

Mr Fahy added: "There isn't a definitive figure for number of people who sleep rough on the streets of Manchester.

"Homeless charities estimate the true figure's more like 20, although they say that number varies from night to night.

"Whatever problem a person may have in their life, and I realise there are some very serious problems that people sleeping rough have, the way to deal with that is not to have them sleeping rough.

"They make people feel unsafe or they make it difficult for businesses."