Film Maker Dies In Flop House Making Movie On Homelessness

Alan: The Italian proverb: "A full belly does not believe in hunger" can be rendered: "A person with central heating does not believe in cold," or "Anyone with indoor plumbing does not believe personal hygiene is a problem." How easily we regard homelessness as a self-chosen state for people who "like to loaf."

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Lee Halpin was making a documentary about sleeping rough on the streets when he died

Two people have been arrested in connection with the death of a film-maker who died while sleeping rough for a documentary.

Lee Halpin, 26, was found by police on Wednesday morning at a derelict hostel on Westgate Road in Newcastle.

Two men, aged 26 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.

They have been bailed pending further inquiries.

A post-mortem examination is due to be held on Tuesday.

'Sociable nature'

Mr Halpin, from Heaton in Newcastle, was making a documentary about sleeping rough on the streets when he died.

He said he intended to "immerse myself" in the lifestyle of a homeless person.

Mr Halpin worked at Northumbria Students' Union and co-founded Novel Magazine, which covers arts and culture in the North East.

Kerry Kitchin, a friend since school and fellow co-founder of Novel Magazine, said Mr Halpin had a "sociable nature".

He said: "He didn't even tell me he was doing this documentary, because he thought I'd disapprove of it and have a go at him for it, but, despite what's happened, I still wouldn't have. I think it was a noble idea."