Man scales roof of house in Shepherd Cross Street, Halliwell, Bolton, for hours and throws tiles on street

Shepherd Cross Street, Halliwell, was closed and residents were advised to stay indoors on Monday evening.

He refused to come down and police were on the scene for several hours.

The drama unfolded at about 6pm and the man finally came down from the roof at about 10.45pm. 

On the video below, slates can be heard crashing onto the pavement while the man appears to shout about wanting a McDonald's. 

VIDEO: Ben Hughes

The road, strewn with rubble and debris, remains cordoned off this morning.

A number of residents were evacuated due to safety concerns over their properties after substantial damage was caused to the roof. 

Rob Inman, who lives in Shepherd Cross Street, said: "He was right opposite my house, throwing tiles and chimney stacks down.

"I have a one-year old-daughter and the noise from it all was disturbing her.

"We were ordered to stay in by police. He was making demands for a McDonald's and cigs to police negotiators."

A police spokesman said: "Shortly before 6pm on Monday, police attended an address on Shepherd Cross Street in Halliwell.

"A man climbed onto the roof of the property and threw tiles at officers.

"He came down from the roof at 10.45pm and was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and burglary.

"He remains in police custody for questioning.

"No-one was injured but a number of people were evacuated from nearby properties and substantial damage was caused to the roof."

John Water, aged 48, and his partner Glenys Dale, aged 57, were in their house at the time.

Miss Dale said: "I thought he was going to come through the attic window, it was scary.

"I saw him on the roof next door first.

"I'm still shaken — I never thought it would end.

"I didn't get much sleep last night and am better than I was."

Mr Water said: "This is a quiet street, we have families living here, and elderly people.

"He was smashing up the roof of the houses — a brand new Audi was badly damaged."

He added: "We were told we could go to the UCAN centre if we wanted but we decided to stay inside.

"The damaged tiles now have to be taken off the roof before the street can be cleaned.

"We've been told we can stay in the house for now."

Mr Water said: "It was scary for the Mrs and for the older people who live on the streets."

Onlookers said he finally came down when he was brought a takeaway.

A council spokesman said:  “Fifteen properties had their roof vandalised on Shepherd Cross Street last night.

“A contractor is on site at the moment making the roof of these properties secure and safe, and at the moment we think this work is likely to take until late afternoon.

“All the residents have been given the option of staying in their properties until the work is complete, or going to the local UCAN centre, and residents have opted to stay in their homes. 

“Once the roof work is complete, a cleansing team will clear up the debris off the road, and the road will reopen.

“Occupiers are also being advised not to use any appliances that discharge to damaged chimney stacks until they have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.”  

Shepherd Cross Street has now reopened.

A council spokesman said: “Fifteen properties had their roof vandalised on Shepherd Cross Street on Monday night.

“We arranged for a contractor to make the roof of these properties secure and safe, and a cleansing team also cleared all the debris off the road.

“While work was taking place, all the residents were given the option of staying in their properties until the work was complete, or going to the local UCAN centre, and residents opted to stay in their homes. 

“Occupiers were also advised not to use any appliances that discharge to damaged chimney stacks until they have been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.”