People are being urged not to give to beggars to help protect them from coronavirus.

Leeds City Council is stressing that organised help is available to anyone in need and that no-one in the city needs to beg. It is warning that anyone giving money or food to street beggars could be putting them in danger and risking their own health.

People can help through Big Change Leeds, which supports charities working with people on the streets. Visit http://www.bigchangeleeds.co.uk/.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said: “Whilst we know this can be difficult, we are asking that people please do not give to anyone who is begging on the streets. The support that we offer in the city, day-in, day-out means that no individual has to beg. It is absolutely imperative due to coronavirus that we can continue to take every step possible to discourage anyone involved in the activity of begging, to not remain on the streets.”