Man living in car helped by 'amazing' businesses

Traders donated food and water for the man and his dog without hesitation, Cambridgeshire Police said

Businesses have been thanked for donating food parcels and offering washing facilities to a "lovely young lad and his dog" who were spotted living in his vehicle.

Cambridgeshire Police said it had been contacted about the situation in St Ives and discovered the man had no money and had "fallen on difficult times", according to a post on Facebook.

Officers asked town centre traders for help and were offered food, water and hot drinks.

A spokesperson said: "A huge thank you" to those who offered "kindness in an otherwise very bleak and sad situation".

Officers offered "a huge thank you" to the businesses who had stepped up to help

They said officers would "check up on him and his beloved (and very handsome) dog regularly".

The post on Tuesday said officers had received calls about someone living in their vehicle.

"It was thanks to your concern that we soon tracked down a lovely young lad and his dog," it said.

"When we visited him and his canine companion, we quickly established he had no money and therefore no means for food for himself, as any little he had was spent on his beloved dog.

"As it is with every life, there is always a story, but it is not ours to tell."

The man "poses no risk in any way" and had "fallen on difficult times", it continued.

Officers approached the businesses because they knew the food banks would not open until the next day.

The spokesperson said "these amazing businesses didn’t even hesitate, not even for a second" and offered food, hot drinks and facilities to wash.

Even though the dog was catered for, they were also offered dog food and treats.

"We feel sure your acts of kindness will stay with him for a very long time to come," the post said.