Rough sleeper from Bolton dies outside M&S in Manchester

Emergency services were called to the scene on February 1 but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has been identified as John Scott Wrench who was originally from Bolton.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Tributes have been placed at the spot where he died outside the M&S.

John Wrench

Jim Hutton from Mad Dogs Homeless Project, a charity supporting rough sleepers in the city centre, knew John and the charity has agreed with his family to pay for the funeral.

On the charity's Facebook page, Jim said: "It's shocking that a relatively fit young man who had been rough sleeping for a short time could be found dead.

"Most of the homeless community and other support groups in Manchester would no doubt have known John's passion his beloved Manchester United, well, after his favourite hooded sweat tops and Eminem, the world famous rapper.

"John and his siblings didn't have a great start in life and were brought up in what we would now term extreme poverty.

"This was due to one of his parents who suffers from severe mental health problems. This impacted the family, as a result they were deprived of a lifestyle and upbringing that many of us take for granted.

"John one of five siblings and had a learning disability.

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"He attended Woodside School in Bolton,which caters for children with special needs.

"Tragically the family lost their mum just over two years ago and this played a huge part in causing John to go off the rails.

"We at Mad Dogs send the family our deepest sympathy are asking for donations to help us provide a fitting funeral for this young man.

"If there should be any monies left after we pay the funeral expenses this will be used by Mad Dogs Homeless Project for raising awareness of the causes of homelessness and furthering the aims of the project."

Tribute to John Wrench

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly before 8.15am on Monday February 1 2021, officers were called by the ambulance service to a concern for the welfare of a man on St Mary's Gate, Manchester.

"Sadly, despite the best work of paramedics, a man aged in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.

"There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a file was prepared for the coroner."

You can contribute to Mad Dogs Homeless Project here.

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