A number of incidents involving a man suspected of having mental health issues have led some Carlisle residents to claim that they are constantly worried about their safety.
They allege that the supported housing resident has threatened and physically assaulted residents.
The alleged incidents have sparked debate over the role of the police in addressing mental health problems.
Residents' worries are taken seriously, according to the neighborhood NHS integrated care board, which orders the man's care.
Because of his vulnerability, the individual in question will not be named by the BBC.
His care was reportedly ordered by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care board and delivered by a private organization.
Locals claim to have seen him punching individuals and hurling things like bricks and power saws.
One spoke of her worries that he might escalate his behavior.
"He explicitly mentions getting a knife and declares, "I'm going to stab you. And I'm terrified that he actually will, she admitted to the BBC.
The husband of one man recalled his wife "shaking with fear" as she dialed 911 after the intruder banged on their door.
Although there have allegedly been incidents, the locals are sympathetic and believe the man is not getting the proper care.
According to locals, he has been dealt with by the police on several occasions in recent months.
Chris Wills, a Liberal Democrat councillor on Cumberland Council, told the BBC he was concerned for the man's life in the event of retaliation.
It's that serious; if this keeps going, someone might die.
When police are called out repeatedly, there is a problem with the care being provided, and it is very unfair to the police. ".
It occurs at a time when a larger discussion about the pressure on police to handle incidents involving mental health is underway.
Earlier this month, Sir Mark Rowley, the commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, informed the health and social care sector of the force's intention to respond to fewer incidents going forward. Humberside Police also adopted a similar stance.
Mr. Wills claimed he had expressed concerns to the NHS regarding the events in Carlisle but had had trouble getting any sort of response.
According to NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care, "individual patients' cases are not discussed in the media.".
We take seriously any worries raised by locals, it continued. .
"With the help of our partners, such as the local authority, we work incredibly hard to enable vulnerable patients to lead happy, stable lives in the community and to avoid putting people in hospital environments unless it is completely justified.
Every placement is regularly reviewed, and on a very rare occasion, we take action to make the arrangements stronger.
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