Police have confirmed that a person is in a life-threatening condition in hospital after officers sealed off a tent in Reading town centre.
Thames Valley Police said officers were seen on Broad Street on Thursday evening in response to a “fear for welfare” incident.
In an update, the force said: “You may have seen our officers on Broad Street yesterday.
“This was in relation to a fear for welfare incident, with no suspicious circumstances or threat to the public.
“The person involved is currently in hospital in a life-threatening condition. We are yet to speak to their next of kin so please be mindful when commenting.”
The cordon was put in place at about 19:30 GMT around a red tent and former bus shelters in the town centre. South Central Ambulance Service also attended.
Police have stressed that there is no wider risk to the public and that the incident is not being treated as suspicious.
It is understood the tent had been occupied by a woman experiencing homelessness, although this has not been formally confirmed by police.
Grace Gomez, a campaigner working with people sleeping rough in the town, said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident.
She said it highlighted the vulnerability of those living on the streets and renewed calls for more long-term accommodation solutions.
Reading Borough Council said it did not want to see anyone sleeping rough and pointed to its outreach work with St Mungo’s to help people access support and accommodation.
Police have asked the public to avoid speculation while efforts are made to inform the person’s next of kin.
