An investigation is underway following the tragic death of a man at a Bristol homeless shelter, where his body remained unnoticed for a week despite his family reporting him missing to both the charity running the hostel and the police.
Avon and Somerset Police have self-referred to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) regarding the circumstances of Zaid Jawad’s death. His body was found at Logos House, a Salvation Army shelter in Bristol, on January 3.
Zaid, aged 40, was discovered deceased in another resident’s room at the hostel, where the resident continued living even after staff and police were informed of Zaid’s disappearance for nearly a week.
Two individuals were arrested by Avon and Somerset Police but have been released on police bail as the investigation into Zaid’s death continues without any charges filed.
Zaid had been staying at Logos House during the Christmas period. His sisters, Dina and Tegan, reported him missing to the Salvation Army on December 28 when they couldn’t reach him. The Salvation Army then reported him missing to the police the next day, but the hostel, housing up to 93 people, was not searched initially.
It wasn’t until January 3, six days after his disappearance was reported, that CCTV footage revealed Zaid never left the hostel. His last sighting was entering another resident’s room the previous Saturday evening and not reemerging.
His body was found in the room on January 3, seven days after he was last seen and six days after being reported missing, leading his family to believe he passed away on that Saturday night.
The family is shocked that the resident of the room where Zaid died continued using the room without reporting the death, expressing disbelief and demanding accountability.
A representative from the Independent Office of Police Conduct stated they are assessing the referral from Avon and Somerset Police regarding the incident.
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed the death investigation and the release of two arrested individuals, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Logos House, operated by the Salvation Army, is described as a ‘Lifehouse’ providing shelter for men over 22 years old. Men typically stay for six to twelve months, referred by the city council for emergency accommodation.
The Salvation Army expressed condolences for Zaid’s death and refrained from further comments due to the ongoing police inquiry.
Zaid’s sisters seek a thorough investigation into his death and hope lessons can be learned to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing the need for change and justice.