A MOTORIST had a rooftop stand-off with the police after scaling scaffolding at a treatment centre for autism.

The driver had led police on a chase in a black Renault Modus before abandoning the car in Milnthorpe Road in Breightmet and climbing up the side of The Breightmet Centre for Autism.

It is believed the man was up on the roof for nearly two hours before being talked down by officers on the ground.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "Shortly after 2.30am police were called to Grosvenor Street, Bolton, following reports that a car had been taken without the permission of the owner.

"Sometime later a vehicle was sighted on Manchester Road, Bolton. The driver failed to stop for police and a pursuit took place.

"The car was involved in a minor collision with a lamppost.

"A man left the vehicle and climbed onto the roof of a property on Milnthorpe Road, Bolton.

"Officers negotiated with the man and he later came down safely from the roof.

"He was taken to hospital as a precaution.

"A 22-year-old man will be interviewed by police later today in connection with the incident."

Milnthorpe Road was shut by police between Deepdale Road and Breightmet Fold Lane as they Some witnesses saw the initial car chase while others spotted the motorist only when he had dumped the Renault and had scaled the scaffolding outside the third floor of the centre.

A resident who witnessed the car chase and didn't wish to be named said: "There were two police cars and a small box-type car at 5.20am this morning. They came off Red Lane onto Deepdale Road at a speed.

"I was woken up with sirens, looked out of the window and saw flashing lights on Red Lane, then a car drove past my house, followed by two police cars. The chase went on for about 15 minutes after that as we could still hear sirens."

Michelle France lives near where the man ran crashed and ran off from police.

She said: “It was at the bottom of Arnside Grove. He ran through the garden in the corner which backs onto Milnthorpe Road. Two police cars were chasing him. The police got out their cars and chased after him.”

A neighbour said: "I saw him on the scaffolding and two policeman on the ground.

"There were four fire engines and five police cars.

"He was wearing just a T-shirt and trousers."

A spokeswoman for North West Ambulance Service said paramedics were called out at 5.40am and left at 7.25am