A MAJOR emergency services operation is underway tonight to try and persuade one homeless man in a tent to go to a homeless shelter for the night.

Two fire engines, another fire and rescue vehicle, a police van, a police car and an ambulance have all parked at the bottom of Ferry Hinksey Road in West Oxford tonight to try and move the rough sleeper believed to be known locally as "Snowy" who is camped by a stream nearby.

Thames Valley Police sergeant Neale told the Oxford Mail: "There is a homeless incumbent on the side of the bridge and because of the inclement weather we wanted to see if he would take up one of the city's homeless beds."

When asked why so many emergency service responders were needed to try and move the one man he said: "We know the way and the fire service have got the wellies and the waterproof kit."

But Sgt Neale said the man was not in any immediate danger.

He said: "I think if he wanted to get out he could, we're trying to see if he wanted to get out."