Man climbs down from roof after nine-hour stand off with police

A man who was throwing tiles from a roof in Brighton '“ damaging two police cars '“ has finally climbed down.
Police have been trying to negotiate with the man on the roof (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)Police have been trying to negotiate with the man on the roof (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)
Police have been trying to negotiate with the man on the roof (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

A stand-off with police started just before midnight last night (August 30), when officers were called to a man on a roof at Grand Parade, Brighton, at its junction with Kingswood Street.

This morning, residents were told to stay inside, and parts of the road were closed as police attempted to negotiate with the man.

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Police said he was throwing tiles and other objects from the roof, but eventually agreed to come down at 9.15am this morning (August 31).

A police car covered in tiles (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)A police car covered in tiles (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)
A police car covered in tiles (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “At 9.15am on Friday (August 31) the man came down voluntarily after talking to officers, and was safely arrested without incident.

“Road closures are being removed as soon as possible. We thanks local people and drivers for their patience and understanding while this incident was safely dealt with.”

Earlier today, a police spokesperson said: “When officers arrived roof tiles were thrown down and it was necessary to cordon off the immediate area to protect the public.

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“Two police cars have been damaged by tiles and other objects thrown from the roof.

The fire service was called (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)The fire service was called (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)
The fire service was called (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

“Nobody has been injured.”

The southbound carriageway of the A23 in Grand Parade is currently closed between Richmond Parade and Edward Street and traffic is being diverted away from the area.

Circus Street at the back of the building is also closed to traffic.

Northbound traffic is not affected.

Damage to a police car (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)Damage to a police car (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)
Damage to a police car (Photograph: Eddie Mitchell)

Police negotiators have been working throughout the night to get the man to come down, the spokesman said.

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“Residents in the flats between Kingswood Street and Morley Street on Grand Parade are being requested to remain indoors away from the windows until the situation is resolved,” said the spokesman.

“We appreciate everybody’s patience while we work to resolve this situation peacefully and without injury to anyone.”