Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council have responded to growing concern about a Truro woman who appears to be living in a car full of belongings and rubbish.

Members of the public have posted regularly on social media pages dedicated to the city, airing their concerns about the woman’s plight, claiming she is often spotted asleep with the engine running.

One said: “Police and ambulance crew have attended but since left, and [the individual is] still sat in their car with the engine running. Is this person approachable, do we know, as I want to help or at least try.”

Others say the woman has been offered help many times but refuses it. They have also questioned whether the car is taxed, MOT’d and insured, and if the driver represents a danger to other motorists due to the car windows being obstructed by rubbish.

Cllr Dulcie Tudor, Cornwall councillor for Threemilestone and Chacewater, said: “I contacted social services to report this person as a safeguarding concern weeks ago. Social services told me it was a police matter as they were in a vehicle. When I called the police, they told me it was a matter for social services.

“Officers did apparently go and take a look, as I reported she was parked up on a dangerous bend on Dobbs Lane causing significant risk to other road users, but ‘couldn’t find the car’. It had literally moved 200 yards around the corner.

“No one in authority it seems is willing or able to take action to save this individual from their own self harm. It is heartbreaking watching this tragedy unfold in very public view. Presumably because of their ‘human rights’. I’m sure many of us can predict what will happen next unless someone in authority actually intervenes.”

Responding to more than 100 comments on a recent social media post, Truro anti-social behaviour (ASB) officer Stephen Lennon said: “She doesn’t want help, and seizing her ‘home’ isn’t something that’s easily done. As for the lack of police intervention, that’s nonsense, I assure you.”

Inspector Colin Wheeler of Truro police called for concerns about public safety or offences to be reported via 101 or through the police website, “as we aren’t always monitoring social media posts”.

He did not respond directly to Cllr Tudor’s comments about police attendance, but added that if motoring or other offences were being committed, he would instruct officers to deal with them “sensitively but robustly”.

He added: “It may be appropriate to report to other services, such as social care, if people have wellbeing concerns.”

A spokesperson for Cornwall Council, which doesn’t comment on individual cases, said: “When someone contacts us with information or concerns about an individual, we will look into the situation and see what support can be provided to the people involved. We work with partners across Cornwall to ensure appropriate agencies engage with individuals who may require support.”

The spokesperson requested that safeguarding concerns be raised either through the council website or by calling 0300 1234 131.