Following a spate of arson attacks on the homeless, Croydon Council has condemned attempts to create a "hostile environment" for rough sleepers.

Montel Nowhia-Job, 22, of Vanguard Close, has been charged with attempted GBH and arson, after two men were set on fire in their sleeping bags last week.

Doorways outside an empty building in the town centre, Electric House, popular with the homeless for their shelter and safety, were recently blocked with obstacles, in what people working locally with the homeless claim is an attempt to drive rough sleepers out of public view.

"If the obstacles are there purely to create a hostile environment for the homeless, they are something we can't support," said Alison Butler, cabinet member for Homes and Gateway Services.

"We understand it takes some time to engage people, but we shouldn't be aiming to make their lives difficult in the meantime.

"Last week's attacks were sickening and horrific; what kind of people pick on the most vulnerable in our society?

"No one chooses to be homeless. Our message is that we are very willing to work with anyone in need."

The victims were attacked in George Street and Surrey Street in the early hours of Monday (June 10) requiring treatment for minor burns, police said.

Investigating detectives believe others may have been targeted, and are appealing for any further victims or witnesses to come forward.

A court official released the male suspect's name on Friday. He is next due to appear at Croydon Crown Court on July 11, while the 17-year-old was bailed until a date in July pending further enquiries.

Jack Percival, a formerly homeless man who now works as a greenkeeper, believes the attacks are intended to push the homeless out of sight.

"It makes them feel like they're living in fear," the 24-year-old, who lives in New Addington, said.

"It's important that the homeless can sleep in the public, out in the open, as that's where they are safe.

"If you make that impossible, driving them into alleyways, then there's nothing to stop them from being attacked. They become more vulnerable."

Plans to launch a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year hub to help rough sleepers of the streets in Croydon and into a property of their own recently received major Government funding.

The Council successfully bid for £622,000 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to create a new service, offering vulnerable homeless people a bed, wraparound support and help into settled, permanent accommodation.

As South London's first year-round homelessness hub, it will be staffed by the Council's Gateway service and partners in the voluntary and public sector, opening in late autumn.