Migrants squatting on Park Lane are changing into rags before begging Londoners for cash on the UK’s poshest street.

There have been longstanding allegations that a series of tent cities, established opposite the £2,000-a-night Dorchester Hotel, have been used as a base for an organised Romanian group which has monopolised the most lucrative begging spots.

During a visit to the camp yesterday, the Express spoke to two different homeless men from the area who claimed to have witnessed briefings where beggars were handed placards and told where to go. One rough sleeper from Northern Ireland claimed the swathes of Mayfair were occupied by a Romanian group who made it almost impossible for other nationalities to beg.

We witnessed firsthand one man change into rags and huddle under a blanket before pleading for cash opposite The Ritz.

Playing on a mobile phone and smoking cigarettes, he’d left the squat at around 10am wearing a fresh flat cap and warm jacket. Carrying heavy bags and also had a walking stick tucked under his arm.

The Express watched him duck into a side street where he altered his appearance, pulling on a ragged jacket and an ill-fitting beanie hat.

The man presented himself as needing a stick having easily walked around central London (Image: Jeremy Selwyn)

After the outfit change, he sat beside a phone box with a pre-written sign that said: ‘I am very hungry god bless you’ and a coffee cup. He positioned the walking stick across his legs giving the impression that he was injured.

Initially, he struggled to collect change from passing strangers, so he switched his position, pulling a blanket around his legs. Generous passers-by were moved enough to drop several pound coins into his cup.

The Express watched as other squatters from the Park Lane site traveled to and from specific spots around Mayfair with pre-written ‘Homeless, can you help—God Bless’ signs.

When we approached the group and asked them about the allegations of organised begging they denied they had been asking for cash.

“We not begging,” a man in his 50s shouted angrily. He did not respond when we told him we’d witnessed people from the camp doing exactly that.

Anger has been building about the behaviour of migrants at the camp who have been defecating in public and having late-night drinking sessions. Local workers also say they have been abused by aggressive squatters.

There is no suggestion that the man pictured, who changed into rags, has defecated in public, was involved in anti-social behaviour or abused local workers.

The land being occupied is owned by Sadiq Khan-controlled Transport for London which has applied for a legal order to remove the site.

Asked to comment on the allegations of bad behaviour a spokesperson for TfL said: “We continue to do all we can to ensure everyone’s safety.

“This includes taking legal and enforcement action and working with Westminster City Council, the Greater London Authority, and local charities to resolve the situation.

“We will not stand for abuse, assault or any other criminal or antisocial behaviour anywhere on our transport network and any allegations should be reported to the police.”

They added: “No one should be faced with sleeping rough on London’s streets. Park Lane is a busy part of the road network that is not a safe place for people to sleep rough and our focus has always been on the safety and welfare of everyone involved.

“We have been working closely with Westminster City Council and other partners over many months to try to resolve the issue at Park Lane compassionately and safely.

“We had to take enforcement action to regain possession of the site on two occasions last year, however, a number of people have returned with tents and other belongings. We have been granted a possession order by the Court and are working through the next steps with our partners.”

Westminster City Council said it would be supporting the removal of the site when the necessary legal hurdles have been cleared.

“The central reservation of Park Lane is not a safe place for anybody to live and we’re concerned about the welfare of those sleeping there,” a spokesperson said.

“However, we are clear that the anti-social behaviour associated with this encampment is unacceptable.

“We have supported TfL with their recent site clearances and wider enforcement action. TFL have recently obtained a new possession order and are working to obtain the writ of possession through the courts. We’ll work with TfL to make sure this happens as quickly as possible.

“The City Council, our charity partners, TfL and London wide rough sleeping teams all regularly visit the people on Park Lane. Our support services are comprehensive and there is no reason a person should have to sleep rough – on this site or anywhere else in the city. ”

Last month London mayor Sadiq Khan launched a ‘Plan of Action’ to meet his target of ending street homelessness in the capital by 2030.

However, homelessness charity St Mungos is reporting increases in people bedding down on the capital’s streets.

“We continue to see an increase in the numbers of people rough sleeping throughout our services,” said a spokesperson for the group which is helping to support the squatters in Park Lane.

“In fact, our Outreach teams are out on the street every night of the year, responding to people who are rough sleeping

“St Mungo’s works with everyone affected by this issue to understand their rights and entitlements and support needs.

“We help people move on from rough sleeping and rebuild their lives. This may include support in accessing emergency accommodation, housing in the private rented sector, and specialist accommodation.”