Migrants set up camp outside The Ritz: Men and women swig from vodka bottles in broad daylight and ignore police warnings just yards from one of the world's most prestigious 5-star hotels

Swigging what appears to be vodka in broad daylight and ignoring police warnings, these are the dozen or so migrants now living in the shadow of one of the world's most prestigious 5-star hotels.

Pictures show groups of men and woman huddled up in warm clothing, some lighting cigarettes and others in sleeping bags, after making themselves at home just yards from The Ritz in London's Green Park.

Despite such close proximity, the luxury of the iconic Grade II listed hotel, built in 1906, is a world away from the everyday existence of those sleeping rough nearby - many of whom are believed to be from Eastern Europe.

It is not the first time migrants have used parks in the capital as a temporary home.

Last June, a dozen were pictured camping at a memorial to victims of the 7/7 London bombings – eating dinner off the plaque and even using the site as a makeshift toilet – on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

The homeless group were branded 'deeply disrespectful' by survivors after being caught on camera cluttering the Hyde Park memorial with their sleeping bags and suitcases, seemingly oblivious to the tribute's significance.

One witness said at the time how a mourner had gone to pay their respects early one morning only to be confronted by a 'rubbish heap' at the memorial.



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