A MAN has been safely rescued after spending more than 10 hours on the ledge of Southampton's Itchen Bridge.
Police reopened the bridge shortly after 11.15am, after the man was successfully talked down.
It was closed off shortly after 1am, after he was spotted climbing over the parapet onto some scaffolding.
Police say their decision to bar traffic allowed negotiators the chance to engage with the man and ultimately recover him to safety.
An RNLI boat was also on the river below the bridge to help rescue him if he had fallen.
A police spokesman said earlier that talking to the man had been more complicated than first thought.
He said: "Due to the man's precarious position on the bridge, this has proven to be more difficult than initially expected and has taken longer than first anticipated.
"Officers remain at the scene while every effort is made to coerce the man to safety.
"Police are mindful of the disruption this has caused to members of the public and local businesses and are doing everything they possible can to minimise this disruption."
After the bridge was reopened police thanked the public for their understanding while the operation was carried out.
Share