POLICE negotiators had to be called out to Blackburn town centre after a man armed with a meat cleaver climbed on to a pub roof and started making threats to harm officers.

The five-hour drama happened at 9.40pm on Thursday when 28-year-old Christopher John Murray climbed on to the roof of the Baroque pub in Northgate and threatened to either jump or attack anyone who attempted to come near him.

Murray, whose last known address was the Highfield House Bail Hostel in Lydia Street, Accrington, was wanted on recall to prison.

Murray, who has previously committed robbery, was eventually talked down at 2.35am yesterday morning. He was arrested at the scene and has been sent back to prison.

Nobody was injured.