Man saved as he fell from scaffolding in Hove

A man was saved as he fell from scaffolding in Hove this afternoon (Friday 4 August) after a stand-off lasting more than an hour.

The man, who was believed to be in distress, had climbed to roof height outside a house in Portland Road, Hove.

Emergency services were called and there were fears that he would jump or fall, prompting police to close the eastern end of Portland Road, by Sackville Road.

The man was caught as he fell. He suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment and assessment.

Sussex Police said: “At 2.15pm on Friday (4 August) emergency services went to Portland Road, Hove, after concern had been reported for the mental health of a man who had just left an address there.

“The man had climbed some scaffolding almost to the top of a two-storey house and the road was closed as a precaution while officers and paramedics engaged with him to try to bring him to safety.

“He then began to fall from the scaffolding but was caught before falling any distance just before 3.30pm.

“He sustained minor injuries in the fall and has been taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital to be treated and for a welfare assessment.

“There are no reports of any other injuries.”