An investigation has commenced following the tragic demise of a man at a homeless shelter in Bristol. The family had reported him missing to both the charity managing the hostel and the police, yet his body was not discovered for a week. Avon and Somerset Police have self-referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) in connection to the death of Zaid Jawad, whose body was found at Logos House, a Salvation Army shelter in Bristol.
Zaid’s family was shocked to learn that he had died at the hostel, inside another resident’s room. Despite notifications to hostel staff and the police about his disappearance, the resident continued to occupy the room with Zaid’s body for almost a week. Two individuals were apprehended by the police but were subsequently released on bail as the inquiry into Zaid’s death progresses.
Zaid, aged 40, had been staying at Logos House during the Christmas period. Concerned when they couldn’t reach him, his sisters reported him missing to the Salvation Army, who then informed the police. However, it appears that the hostel, accommodating up to 93 individuals, was not thoroughly searched.
It wasn’t until six days after Zaid was reported missing that CCTV footage revealed he had not left the hostel. Subsequent inspection of another resident’s room led to the grim discovery of Zaid’s body, seven days after his last sighting and six days after his disappearance was reported.
Zaid’s family believes he passed away on a Saturday night, and they were appalled to discover that the resident of the room where Zaid died continued to use the space without reporting the death. The family expressed deep distress over the situation, questioning the lack of urgency and proper search efforts.
The Independent Office of Police Conduct is evaluating the referral from Avon and Somerset Police, with no decision made yet regarding a potential investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to aid the ongoing inquiry.
Logos House, described as a ‘Lifehouse’ by the Salvation Army, provides shelter for men over 22 years old, with most rooms having en-suite facilities. Referrals to the facility are made by the city council, and residents typically stay for six to twelve months.
Amid calls for a thorough investigation and lessons to be learned from the incident, Zaid’s sisters seek accountability and changes to prevent such tragedies in the future. The Salvation Army expressed condolences but refrained from further comments due to the active police investigation.
