OUR story about someone setting fire to the tent of a homeless man while he slept inside has sparked a huge reaction online.

Many people are disgusted and outraged by the arson attack and are grateful that Shaun Hibbert was woken by his dog, Bruce, in time to get out of the burning tent at the corner of Trinity Street and Bradshawgate.

IrishT90 hit out at the attack, saying: “What a nasty evil inhuman being whoever did that to him and his dog,you should be caught and made to rough it on the streets like him maybe then you little squirt it’ll be an eye opener for you that some ppl don’t have the pleasures you’ve got...

“Your parents must be proud to know they’ve raised a thug and I hope one day you get it back on the backside a trillion times worse..”

Bltn786 agreed: !Hear, Hear .. God I hope they get caught!!

Henry Portrait felt Shaun had put himself in harm’s way, saying: “It’s a lifestyle choice, he knows he can get more money pleading poverty from gullible people. These people get benefits and even extra money if they have a dog.

“After that beggar who claimed to be a hero after the Manchester arena bomb was caught stealing from the victims my sympathy for these people is zero.”

But Bob Vagene feels he is being tarred with the same brush.

“When he first went there he was living in council accommodation, so was just sitting there and going home at night. He wasn’t actually begging, just sitting there watching the world go by.

“I know people who have attempted to donate stuff and he’s said no as it’s in too good a condition. He’s no harm to anyone really.

“It’s the spice tramps who slept in octagon car park that need sorting. Blood wee and pooh all over floors doors and railings on top floors.”

Britain Back to Great Britain ! has suggested a solution to the issue of rough sleeping in the town, saying: “A very complex and dog eat world out there, more so when out on the streets we need a specific area creating ,and bylaws to prevent street living in certain areas for the protection of the public and the homeless ,help is out there the individuals have to want it Gerry !”

But President Merkin Muffley responded with a good point: “You say ‘for the protection of the public’. Did you read the article? The ‘public’ set his tent on fire while HE was sleeping. It is HIM who needs protecting from the public.”

Bltn786 also came to Shaun’s defence, saying: “I don’t think is a choice, I’m sure he didn’t imagine his life would be the way it is but people go through things and it changes them.

“What he is doing is probably the best thing for him right now and that’s his business, his dog is his companion if it gets him more money bravo... At least the dog is well looked after and to quote you ‘these people’ if by that you mean the homeless they are not all the same so maybe you should have some sympathy for those who don’t have a choice because they cause no harm.”

Boltonresident2012 has hit out at those responsible for the arson attack on Shaun’s tent: “This is just pure evil and could have resulted in murder. If this had been a nice middle class family on a nice campsite, some of the comments would have been totally different.

“To imply that it is somehow his own fault is colluding with the evil thugs who did this. It is the same mindset as saying someone walking out late deserves what they get. I hope they are found - surely there is CCTV somewhere - and dealt with.”

But Holby takes a different view: “ Well Mr Bagley, who’s fault is it? This guy was given accommodation and therefore was able to claim benefits but chose to beg and scrounge off gullible people. It’s his decision to be where he is after refusing help.”

mattkinson3 had the last word in Shaun’s defence, saying: “So it’s his fault someone decided to set his tent on fire with him in it! What a totally disgrace and plainly wrong comment and you know it is.”

, stop being a keyboard warrior and have some compassion for a change for another human! People are not gullible either, it’s called having a bit of compassion! It’s people like you that make Bolton even more undesirable than it already is, Bolton, the world and everyone else would be better off without people like you!

Here's a selection of other comments from readers:

"Hope the guy who has done this gets justice."

joshua hodgins

"I do feel sorry for the way he has been treated, but why does he have to sleep on main street, making the place look unsightly ?

He’s in full view of people who will do this to him, surely he can find a less exposed place where he won’t be bothered and won’t make the street unsightly."

now then lad

"I was driving home after work early one morning and had the pleasure of driving up Bradshawgate to see this man sweeping up the smashed up bus stop around the corner from where he sleeps. He has acts of kindness and cares for the area despite making it not look the greatest himself but as I say he does more for the public than most. Nobody deserves this to happen to them but maybe he will realise he is safer in one of the properties he has had before and not on the street. Unfortunately the world is full of unsavoury people and stuff like this no longer suprises me. Bolton is no longer a town to be proud of but is a town we all wish would return to old where people cared about each other and small businesses thrived but as I say, this is life these days. Crimes go unreported as the police don’t call out to help anymore. Maybe it’s time for some tough love and the proud people of Bolton police it themselves. Stop these little scrotes breaking the town beyond repair!"

Spider Man