Norwich shopping centre guard doused homeless with cold water, it is claimed

One of the main entrances to the Castle Mall shopping centre in Norwich

A shopping centre is investigating claims a laughing security guard doused homeless people sheltering in an entrance with cold water.

The Castle Mall in Norwich has denied its staff were involved in the incident, reported by Peoples' Picnic volunteers who provide meals for homeless people.

The centre's management is looking for CCTV footage recording the incident.

A statement on Wednesday evening said security officers had been quizzed.

The spokesman said: "This allegation is being thoroughly investigated with all CCTV being reviewed.

"After taking statements from the security officers and studying camera footage, there is no evidence whatsoever that any of our team were involved in any such incident.

"However, we continue to investigate as this is an extremely distressing allegation which we take very seriously."

A post on the Peoples' Picnic Facebook page alleged: "A few of the guys seeking refuge in a doorway round the back of the Castle Mall were subjected to having a bucket of cold water thrown over them by a laughing security guard.

"Not only did he leave them in soaking wet clothes, freezing and exposed to harsh declining temperatures, but also drenched their sleeping bags which were the only other means of keeping them warm."

The incident is alleged to have taken place late on Sunday evening.