A COMMUNITY has pulled together in a bid to raise thousands to keep a stabbing victim off the streets.

Dwayne Curtis, 46, was walking his Staffordshire bull terrier along Tylers Avenue, Southend, at 2.50am on Saturday when he was attacked.

His beloved dog, Charlie, was killed trying to protect his owner. Dwayne suffered a minor injury to his buttocks.

Fundraising projects have since been set up to help find Dwayne and his friend Tom a permanent and safe home.

Southend-based artist John Bulley has created a piece of street art in the town centre in tribute to Charlie, and will also auction off individual sketches for the cause.

He said: “The idea was put to me by a friend who knew I had the ability to get something done quickly, and suggested we try to raise money for these poor blokes.

“We are going to organise an event at the Railway Hotel, in Clifftown Road, next Sunday where I will be selling exclusive prints with all proceeds going to the homeless community.

“The painting of Charlie on Elmer Approach helps raise awareness and compliments my piece showing the homeless girl, so we’re keeping the issue in the public eye.”

Jo Bates, a founding member of the Southend-based Homeless Street Hub, has launched an online fundraiser which has already collected more than £1,000.

The 49-year-old, from Southchurch, said: “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Dwayne is absolutely devastated, as you would expect, and we don’t want to see him lose any more. He’s lost enough.”

The team at Homeless Street Hub have used donations to put Dwayne up in a bed and breakfast for the week while he recovers. They want the community to dig deep to find a more permanent solution.

Jo added: “Dwayne and Tom felt like kings when they woke up in a comfy bed. They were able to shut both eyes as they felt safe and it was just a simple walk to the ensuite to clean themselves.

“Neither of them are into drink or drugs. They’re normal people down on their luck.

“The bed and breakfast is not sustainable. It’s £350 a week there, opposed to £350 a month on rent. We want people to dig deep and give generously. Just as importantly, we’re looking for a landlord who will accept housing benefits as payment. We hope to provide the deposit and the first few months’ rent, but after that their benefits will cover it.

“Dwayne didn’t deserve what happened. He is so overwhelmed, but sad that Charlie can’t enjoy it with him.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/homelessstreethub