A man known for anti-social behaviour heckled a 12-year-old girl on Garston Street, in proximity to a newly opened homeless shelter run by Julian House, police have confirmed.

The street is the location of a newly-opened homeless shelter by Julian House, which has now issued an apology and is taking corrective actions.

Local residents expressed their concern upon learning that the shelter had been operational for nearly two months before the community was initially consulted on 25 September.

Furthermore, the shelter operated without on-site supervision between 8 pm and 8 am. Julian House has now apologised and stated they are in the process of recruiting new staff who will be on site until 1 am.

A police spokesperson provided details about the disturbing incident: "Police enquiries continue following a report that a 12-year-old girl was distressed by a man whistling and shouting in Garston Street, Shepton Mallet, shortly before 4 pm on Monday 25 September. A suspect has been identified and spoken to by officers from the neighbourhood policing team working with the anti-social behaviour (ASB) team to tackle the problem behaviour."

Authorities also collaborate with Somerset Council to ensure the individual receives appropriate support services. Anyone affected by such behaviour is encouraged to contact the neighbourhood police team, citing the reference 5223234808.

Julian House confirmed that the man involved in the incident had been staying at their new shelter at The Dusthole Inn prior to the event. "Even though this alleged incident took place off-site, by someone who was no longer staying at the Dusthole, Julian House would still have a keen interest in knowing about it," they said.

The council's East Homeless Outreach Team is already in contact with the individual, addressing underlying issues and discouraging further anti-social behaviour.