Three rough sleeper camps in Stoke-on-Trent have been shut down after members of the public raised concerns.

Rough sleepers were moved on from makeshift camps on Pyenest Street in Shelton, Hartshill Road in Hartshill and from Stoke Minster following repeated reports about anti-social behaviour.

As part of the operation, nine community protection warnings were issued in response to anti-social behaviour and one arrest was made by police for criminal damage and threatening behaviour.

Stoke-on-Trent council's rough sleeper team visited the sites ahead of the action to "asses individual needs and offer tailored support".

Four people were referred to The Hub - based in Hanley - which offers emotional and practical support to those who are currently experiencing, or are at risk of, homelessness.

The city council says it is committed to reducing homelessness but has a zero-tolerance approach to criminal and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for community resilience and safety at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Our priority is to support those who are struggling, but we must also make it clear that we will not tolerate behaviour that puts others at risk or damages our communities.

"We all have a responsibility to each other.

"There's incredible support available in Stoke-on-Trent for those ready to accept help. This work shows how we're addressing both the causes and the consequences of rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour."  

Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing and planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Homelessness is a complex issue which we know has been exacerbated over the last few years due to things like the cost of living crisis and housing pressures.

Staffordshire Police Inspector Rebecca Price, from the Stoke South local policing team, said: "We continue to combat crime and anti-social behaviour across the city through our Making Great Places project.

"This includes working closely with partner agencies to help vulnerable residents in our communities and ensure those who need assistance are receiving it.

"I'm pleased we have been able to work alongside the city council to tackle this issue and hopefully allow local residents to feel safer in their neighbourhood."