Homeless hero of Manchester bombing set to have rent paid for by West Ham after he was pictured back on streets weeks after attack
A HOMELESS hero of the Manchester Arena bomb attack who was back begging on the streets just weeks after the blast is set to have a rental property paid for by West Ham United in just days.
Stephen Jones, 35, was hailed for his bravery after rushing to help the victims of the explosion, which came at the end of a concert by pop star Ariana Grande.
But concerns were raised after the man was seen back on the streets just three weeks after the horrific blast that claimed the lives of more than 20 people.
West Ham United has now stepped in, saying they were already paying for a hotel room for the hero and planned on helping him settle into a new home by the end of the week.
West Ham United's Dave Sullivan Jnr said "I have spoken to Steven today and he is not homeless, but currently staying in a hotel which we are paying for.
"Steve has been in a hotel for a little while whilst we wait for him to choose his accommodation.
"We aim to have a tenancy agreement in place by the end of the week, and I am going up to Manchester to visit him on 1 July."
It comes as Stephen waits for funds raised through JustGiving to funnel through to him.
A spokesperson for JustGiving explained: “As with all of the 400 pages set up for the heroes, victims and families of the Manchester bombing JustGiving will work with the page owners to ensure that funds find their way to the correct place.
"In the case of Stephen, we will be taking extra steps to make sure that the funds raised as given to him in a sustainable manner that will allow him to be supported effectively.
"This could involve working with the local community and local charities to ensure he gets the best outcome that works for him.
"We will make sure that all the people who have given generously to these pages are kept updated."
Today Jones was seen in the Piccadilly Gardens area of Manchester sheltering under a sleeping bag.
After he was tracked down following the blast, the former bricklayer said: "It's just instinct to go and help if someone needs your help and it was children.
"It was a lot of children with blood all over them - crying and screaming.
"We were having to pull nails out of their arms and a couple out of this little girl's face."
Jones, who has been sleeping rough for more than a year, added: "Some lady, she got cut from her side so my mate had to hold her legs up and then an ambulance guy came and a fireman and they assisted after that.
"We just held her legs up because we thought she was just going to bleed right out."
He also told how well-wishers had been shaking hand hand in the street and asking for selfies.
The public’s generosity comes as West Ham chairman David Sullivan also vowed to help out.
Writing on Twitter his son David Sullivan Jr wrote: “Me and dad want to rent the homeless man in Manchester a house for 6 months to get on his feet”.
Evil bomber Salman Abedi slaughtered 22 people in the suicide blast on May 22.
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