Letting inmates out of HMP Norwich, in Knox Road, with nowhere to live has been described by David Powles, chief executive of St Martins, as "irresponsible".

He added the lack of secure accommodation risks increasing homelessness and repeat offending. 

David Powles (Image: St Martins)

It comes amid growing concerns about the number of rough sleepers in the city, with new tents popping up weekly - leading to areas of Norwich being dubbed Shanty Towns. 

The early release scheme was introduced by the government this year and allows many prisoners to be let out after serving one third of their term, to help ease overcrowding in prisons. 

Criminals who have committed serious offences are excluded from the scheme. 

Concerns have been raised about early releases from HMP Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Around 650 prisoners were released across the country in the most recent wave last month, with a further 5,000 expected to leave prison in stages during the next year. 

It is not yet known how many inmates have been released early from Norwich prison, but an inspection report published earlier this year found that 22pc of prisoners leaving the........

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