'You were loved': Tributes paid to rough-sleeping dad found dead on Sheffield city centre street

Sheffield father Luke Booth was found dead on Mulberry Street in the city centre on Wednesday morning.

South Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the Central Health Clinic in the street shortly before 7.30am and that the circumstances were not thought to be suspicious.

Floral tributes were left at the scene by his family yesterday and later members of the rough sleeping community lit candles there in his memory.

Writing on his Facebook page, former Sheffield Tent City organiser Anthony Cunningham - who knew Luke through his work on the streets - posted a tribute to him.

He said: “RIP Luke. All I’m going to say is that you were loved by your family, friends and especially your kids.

“There’s nothing I can write that will do you justice pal, to paint a picture to people that didn’t know you, but we had some good laughs on the streets over the years.

“I want people to know that your family always made sure you were ok, but sadly you didn’t have bit more time to win the mental fight you were battling.

“Have to give thanks to Ben’s Centre for helping him out daily with supplies, and staff to talk with when he had really hard days coping out on the streets, and to other outreach teams and staff that tried to support Luke to getting back on his feet.

“Flowers and cards were laid down by his family as they wanted to remember him where they use to see him the most, to try and get him off the streets, so please be respectful when walking past.”

Dozens of other tributes to Luke were left on Facebook from his family and people who knew him on and off the streets.

Joanna Knowles-Hayes said: “Heartbreaking, had some fun times growing up Luke. RIP sweetheart - hope you’re at peace now.”

And Nicky Ward said: “He was an apprentice at my dad's work many years ago until he went down the wrong path. Such a waste. RIP Boothy.”