Drama on Milton Road: Man Talks Himself Down from Roof of Building Site
Police negotiators spent a tense three hours last night coaxing a man down from the roof of a partially built block of flats in Cowplain.
Man Climbs Scaffolding on Milton Road
The man was spotted perched precariously on the scaffolding surrounding the new flats on Milton Road near Eagle Avenue on Sunday evening. A large police operation quickly kicked into gear as fears grew over his safety.
Road Closures and Traffic Diverted
- Milton Road was shut off at both ends with police cordons in place.
- Traffic near the local shopping precinct was diverted.
- The road from Eagle Avenue to Milton Road was closed to both pedestrians and vehicles.
A crowd gathered anxiously as the man shouted down at police and fire crews on the scene. An aerial ladder and additional fire appliances were on standby, ready for any emergency.
Negotiators Win Man’s Safe Descent
“We were called at approximately 10pm. Officers found a male on the scaffolding of the building site in a distressed state,” said a Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police spokesperson.
“He was agitated and refused to come down. From a public safety perspective, as well as his own safety, we talked to him until specialist negotiators arrived and continued engagement. He moved around the building and at one point came to the front. The negotiators managed to have the male safely brought to the ground.”
Shortly before 12:30am on Sunday morning, the man climbed down quietly and was taken into police custody without incident.
The prompt response from officers and specialists prevented what could have been a tragic outcome in Cowplain last night.
