Mansfield and Ashfield community rallies round homeless men that lost all belongings in fire

The pair had been living behind the Tesco Express on Mansfield Road but when their tent was set on fire in the early hours of Sunday morning, they were left with nothing.

Luckily, community spirit is alive and kicking in the Mansfield area after multiple individuals and community groups took it upon themselves to come to their aid.

A spokesperson from Nottinghamshire Fire Service said: “We received a call at 2.11am to reports of a fire in the open.

“One crew from Mansfield attended the incident and they used one hose drill jet to extinguish a tent that was on fire.”

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However, Nottinghamshire Police said the incident hadn't been reported to them.

Rosie Summers posted in the Mansfield & Ashfield Area Support Group on Sunday: “Some of you may have seen the couple of homeless people behind the Tesco Express on Mansfield Rd, just up from Kings Mill Hospital that have been living in tents, but have kept themselves and their temporary living quarters immaculate.

"Really humble people it seems.

“Last night, these two vulnerable people had everything burned to the ground including their tents, they have absolutely nothing, I have taken a pop-up tent and the few bits I have spare to them, but if anyone can help with whatever they can.

"I’m sure they will appreciate everything.”

The Facebook post was awash with well-wishers and people offering their support – whether that be through food, clothing, or even a new tent.

It has transpired that the pair garnered much-needed support and supplies from numerous groups, including the Sutton Christian Fellowship.

Colin Bazward, from the Sutton Christian Fellowship in Sutton-in-Ashfield, said: “We have been in contact with them.

“They had a tent set up around the back off the Travelodge and it was set on fire and they lost all of their stuff.

"We have replaced all essentials and will be taking more hot food to them on Wednesday.”

The Sutton Christian Fellowship is even going one step further by trying to find them permanent accommodation so that an event like this does not happen again.

Colin, who said they were ‘two of the politest chaps I’ve met in a long time’ added: “They were more than happy with everything they got and would like to thank all who gave them things and the people who just called by to say hello.

"Through the help group we are trying to get them a place.”

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The two men are also service users of the Bee humble Sunday soup kitchen and informed the group of the horrific incident.

Sue Snowdon, a volunteer at the soup kitchen, said: “I spoke to Lesley Hampson and David Lambert that set up the kitchen years ago and we sorted what we had in our stores for them such as sleeping bags and clothes.

“Kind-hearted people of the community also donated a tent and other items needed.”