The number of Romanians sleeping rough has risen by 50 per cent in just 12 months, and the majority of homeless people on London’s streets now come from overseas.

The figures were compiled from surveys conducted in October and November last year, meaning the actual number of eastern Europeans sleeping rough could be much higher after labour restrictions affecting Bulgaria and Romania were lifted on January 1.

Ukip’s Communities spokeswoman Suzanne Evans described the figures as "a shocking legacy and sad result of open door EU immigration".

She said: "Homelessness is something we should be trying to eradicate, but our EU membership is simply increasing the problem.

"This is surely proof that unrestricted immigration is forcing upon Britain migrants we would be much better without.

Romanians and Bulgarians make up a quarter of all those sleeping …