One arrest after police called to three separate incidents at facility for homeless in Burnley

In the first incident last Thursday (March 5th) police officers attended Gateway just after 2-30pm when it was reported that a resident had run into the premises in Mitre Street with an injury that had happened while he was away from the project.

Staff gave the resident first aid before calling for emergency services. The victim did not require hospital treatment.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "The man had been stabbed in the hand and received medical treatment from the ambulance service.

"It is thought that the offender and victim are known to each other and our inquiries into the incident is on-going."

Officers were called again the following morning, just after 10am, to reports of a disturbance at the facility that is run by The Calico Group.

A police spokesman said it is believed a group of residents were involved in an altercation after a dispute. No-one was injured but a 58-year-old man from Burnley was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence. He was issued with a penalty notice for disorder.

Police were called for a third time yesterday after a member of the public became aggressive when, for security reasons, they were not granted access to Gateway.

As a result there was some damage caused to a door. No residents or staff were injured and security measures were in place while repairs were carried out.

Officially opened in 2018 the £3.5M facility was built to provide support for homeless and vulnerable people and improve their employability.

With 26 rooms and four direct access rooms, Gateway offers a settled environment for residents to make positive changes to plan for their future and improve their way of life. It ws opened following the announcement of the government’s Rough Sleeping Strategy, which aims to eradicate rough sleeping in England by 2027.

Stacey Garvin, Head of Integrated Services for Calico, said they were 'really proud' of the work that Gateway staff were doing in providing support and safety for some of the most vulnerable people in the community.

She said: "More than 240 people have been through the Gateway facility in Burnley and we are pleased to say that four out of five residents successfully move into sustainable housing.

"The project was awarded ‘Homelessness Scheme of the Year’ 2019 as a result.

"We are continuing to invest in our homelessness services and build strong relationships with the police, Lancashire County Council, Burnley Council and other partners.”