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At least 3,000 people sleep rough on the streets of Paris, according to the city's first-ever homeless census - but officials have warned that it is an underestimation of the true figure.

Deputy mayor Bruno Julliard, said that the figure of 2,952 people sleeping rough, along with 672 in emergency winter shelters, was a low estimate.

People using carparks or stairwells were not counted, he said, while tents were considered as accommodation for one person, regardless of the number of people who may have been inside.

The president of Samusocial, Eric Pliez, meanwhile estimated the real figure would be closer to 5,000.

The official total was announced after 2,000 volunteers and officials went out on the streets for the Nuit de la Solidarite to carry out the census between 10pm and 1pm on February 15/16.

Homeless people were also questioned about the problems they faced, to help authorities improve policies.