Man, 30, crushed to death by bin lorry after 'climbing inside to shelter from the cold'

A homeless man crushed to death after he crawled into a bin lorry to shelter from the cold has been pictured for the first time. 

Sajmir Beca, 30, suffered catastrophic injuries after the horror unfolded in Northampton town centre in the early hours of October 31. 

Locals woke to screams coming from the lorry before emergency services arrived to Wellington Street at around 3am, after the driver of the truck raised the alarm. 

An upsetting video being circulated on social media appeared to show the victim's body in the back of a bin lorry surrounded by rubbage bags. 

Mr Beca was rushed to University Hospital Coventry but died as a result of his injuries on November 6. 

On Wednesday, an inquest into his death was opened at the Guildhall in Northampton by senior coroner Anne Pember.

She confirmed Mr Beca's died as a result of multiple organ failure due to crush injuries to the pelvis and lower limbs. 

Ms Pember adjourned the full inquest until April 29 next year, when statements will be heard from Mr Beca's brother and police.

Mr Beca, who was sleeping rough, was left fatally injured while sleeping in an industrial bin that was collected by a Veolia lorry. 

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: 'Police officers were called to an incident involving a bin lorry in Wellington Street, Northampton, just after 3am on October 31. 

'Sadly, a man sustained serious injuries as a result and died in hospital on November 6. 

'There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and we have prepared a report for the coroner.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.' 

Homelessness charity Project 16:15 confirmed the man was known to the charity. 

A spokesman said: 'News such as this makes the Tuesday Night Team fundraiser - to get as many rough sleepers in for Christmas - vital.' 

Waste contractor Veolia - which manages commercial bins in the town - said it was 'deeply saddened' by the incident. 

A Veolia spokesperson said: 'We are deeply saddened by this incident which has tragically resulted in the loss of a life.

'Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences are with the loved ones of the person who has passed away.

'Our driver acted quickly at the scene and we will continue to support them. We have fully cooperated with the police during their investigation.

'Sadly, in the winter months we see an increase in the number of people taking shelter in bins.

'We will continue to work with colleagues and clients to raise awareness of this.'