Spelthorne Borough Council says a man arrested following an incident near a school had been placed in the borough without its knowledge.

The council’s leader, Joanne Sexton, has written to the Home Office asking for clarity as to why the authority was not informed.

The man, arrested last Thursday for allegedly harassing school children at a school in Laleham, has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Spelthorne Borough Council says the property in Shepperton Road where he was living is a House in Multiple Occupation.

It had not yet been granted a licence and an application submitted in February is now being reviewed urgently.

The council says the Home Office placed the individual in the property without any prior communication with, or notification to them.

A Home Office spokesperson said:

“Spelthorne Council was consulted before this accommodation was procured.

“We urge anyone who witnesses unacceptable behaviour to report it to the police as soon as possible, and we remain in close contact with Surrey Police on this incident.

“Illegal migrants are being moved into basic accommodation, as the government scales up the use of military barracks.”