Southampton: Tributes paid to 'murdered' rough sleeper

Leszek Migdal, 52, was found dead outside Freemantle United Reformed Church on Saturday, August 19, after police officers responded to concerns about a man's welfare.

Police initially said his death was unexplained but a month later, officers arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of murder before later releasing him on bail.

On Friday, Hampshire police identified the victim as Leszek Migdal – known by his friends as Peter – prompting his family to pay tribute to him.

Leszek’s sister said: “In remembrance of my beloved brother Peter, whose death came as a painful mystery.

“We are reaching out to anyone who may have even the smallest piece of information related to his passing, as it would greatly help us to find solace in saying our final goodbyes.

“Even though the circumstances he found himself in were tough, we always wanted the best for him.

“Peter will be remembered as life continues for us, we love and will miss him a lot.”

MP for Southampton Itchen, Royston Smith said: “This is clearly an awful tragedy.

"I feel for Mr Migdal's friends and family, I don't know the circumstances surrounding what happened, but it shows how important it is to support people who find themselves homeless.

"It is a very complex problem and I know the teams locally are doing all they can to find accommodation for those who find themselves without a permanent home and most importantly, those who find themselves on the street."

Valerie John was one of many community-minded people who helped Peter, who was often found outside Freemantle United Reformed Church.

She used to cook meals and take them to him and gave him clothes and footwear.

She recalled: "I always used to see him sat on the church wall and steps in the sun and walking up and down Shirley High Street.

"When taking food to him he always said thank you."

She remembered he could usually be found in a covered area with blankets - but despite this, his bedding and clothes were often soaking wet.

Reacting to news of the murder investigation, she said: "Poor Peter didn't deserve this.

"I’m sending my condolences to his family and all who knew him."

Tony Weafer, of Shirley & Freemantle Community Watch, said residents in Shirley would often buy food and soft drinks for Peter.

He told the Echo: "I explained to them what his situation was and because of that, they knew he was truly homeless and not pretending to be homeless.

“A member of the group even went and built the covering area outside the church (where he used to sleep).

"They knew that he was Polish but that did not put them off at all.”

READ MORE: Southampton rough sleeper 'murdered' in 'painful mystery' is named

He added: “There's a lot of racist feelings about foreigners, not just in Southampton but across the country, but people really rallied around him because they knew he was genuinely homeless and he was really, really appreciative. He called them brothers. 

"His English was extremely poor, but he knew a few words and he used those words to express his gratitude."

City Life Church Leader, Paul Woodman, said: "My heartfelt condolences to the family of Leszek who tragically died this summer.

"He will be one of 60 people who have died in Southampton, who have been homeless that we will remember in a special commemorative service on Wednesday, November 1.

"While his life has been marked by hardship, his humanity was never diminished. 

"May we honour his memory by working toward a world where no one has to sleep rough, and where compassion and support are extended to all, and where every life is valued."

A spokesperson for Two Saints Day Centre in Southampton said that Leszek was a ‘lovely gentleman.’

They told the Echo: "Leszek was known to our No Recourse to Public Funds service and was being supported by Two Saints Day Centre Teams.

"He was a lovely gentleman who was engaging to talk too and full of character.

"The homeless community have been saddened by his passing and continue to be supported by our teams."

The Chief Executive of homeless charity The Society of St James, Trevor Pickup, added: "My condolences go to the family and friends who have been impacted by this news.

"We are aware that those who sleep rough are at risk of violence and more needs to be done to resolve the housing crisis."

Hampshire Constabulary is appealing for help

Hampshire Constabulary is appealing for help with the investigation into his death, which is currently being treated as a murder probe.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "While we appreciate that this took place two months ago, we urge anyone who was in the Shirley Road area between 9pm on Friday, August 18 and 6am on Saturday, August 19, and saw anything suspicious or that concerned them, to please make contact with us.

"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in close proximity to the United Reformed Church.

"Anyone with information is asked to submit it via our online portal by visiting https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC23E09-PO1.

"You can also call 101 quoting reference 44230335479/Op Collard."