STUDENTS have raised concerns about their safety after they found a homeless man eating food in their flat.

He was found at a third floor flat in Purbeck House halls of residence on Bournemouth town centre’s Oxford Road.

He followed a resident through a security door then got into a third floor flat.

The students from Bournemouth University found the man, aged around his 40s, sitting on the sofa.

Victoria Mills, 19, said: “We didn't know what to think. We weren’t sure if it was someone’s dad. It was really scary.”

The block is managed by the private company Unite and it has a 24-hour security desk with CCTV.

The man left after being discovered, saying that he “only ate two rolls and didn’t take any computers or anything”.

Harry Toussaint, 19, a public relations student who lives in the flat, said: “He was telling us that he just wanted some food and to be in the warm. “There’s a homeless shelter five minutes down the road.”

Charlotte Haines, 18, an events management student who also lives in the flat, said: “I realise that we shouldn’t have had our flat door on latch.

“But at the end of the day we should get the 24-hour security we’re paying for. It’s ridiculous.”

A university spokesman said: “We take all matters regarding the safety and security of students very seriously.

“We liaise with Unite on a regular basis and will raise this incident with them to see what lessons can be learned.

“Students are advised to be wary of ‘tailgating’ and other aspects of security in our halls of residence.”

A Unite spokesman said: “The safety of our residents is our highest priority.

“The incident took place while our security guard was patrolling the building – a key aspect of his role.

“After a thorough investigation we decided not to contact the police as the intruder left without incident. Our on-site team offered support to the students whose flat was entered.”