Anti Homeless Spikes
The metal spikes have appeared at locations across the UK.

A homelessness charity has described the installation of metal studs to deter homeless people from sleeping outside London flats as "brutal."

The metal studs were believed to have been installed outside the block on Southwark Bridge Road a few weeks ago after a person was seen sleeping rough in the doorway.

Howard Sinclair, Chief Executive of St Mungo's Broadway, said: "Each year our teams, in Southwark and elsewhere, help thousands of people off the streets.

"Part of their role is to prevent people adopting a street lifestyle which, on occasions, means adapting the physical environment to prevent people sleeping rough in a particular location on a regular basis. These 'studs' appear a rather brutal way of doing just that."

Its not know who is responsible for installing the 'anti-homelessness' device outside the private flats.

Councillor Peter John of Southwark Council issued a statement confirming the council is not responsible. "The council can look into health and safety or planning concerns that are reported to us," he said.

"With regards to people sleeping rough, the council has a dedicated officer who works closely with organisations like St Mungo's [a homelessness charity], who have a 'no second night out' policy to ensure rough sleepers are found shelter and support."

Residents in the block have condemned the action with one woman saying: "It's like treating these homeless people like animals."

The images of the studs have been circulated on Twitter prompting angry reaction from members of the public.

David Wells wrote: "These Anti homeless studs are like the spikes they use to keep pigeons off buildings. The destitute now considered vermin."

Metal studs have reportedly been appearing across the country for the last decade as the number of people sleeping rough rises.