A POLLING station was closed by police after a man climbed on the roof and started hurling tiles.

Police were called at 8.30pm to reports that there was a protester on the roof of Wensley Fold CE Primary School.

Voters were initially told the station was closed but were later allowed to vote outside the school in police vans.

Police negotiators were sent to the school to try to talk the man down.

The polling station was closed for safety reasons, police said.

It is understood the incident is not related to voting or the polling station.

Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The polling station is being run from the car park and no voters were turned away.

"Election staff and police have done a great job."

A police spokesman said: “We were called at 8.30pm to reports of a man on the roof. He has been throwing tiles off the roof.

“We have had to close the polling station temporarily for safety reasons.

“Police negotiators have been sent to the scene.”

One bystander told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It’s strange something like this happening. I realise police have to be cautious.

“I came to cast my vote and was told by the police that the polling station was off limits due to an unforeseen situation.

“I could see someone on the school roof but I’m not sure what was going on.

"I went back later and it was still going on but I was allowed to cast my vote in a police van."

Council staff were due to start the voting verification process at King George's Hall at 10pm following the close of voting.

The man came down from the roof of his own accord at 4am on Friday. It is understood his actions were not related to polling day.