ROADS in the centre of Accrington were sealed off as police negotiators spoke with a man stood on the edge of the railway viaduct.

An onlooker said the man was positioned partway along the bridge and an officer was in conversation with him.

But the man was brought to safety around three-quarters of an hour later.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said officers were called to the viaduct just after 1pm today.

Traffic was diverted in the area and trains are understood to have been temporarily suspended.

After more than 40 minutes on the viaduct officers said the man stepped down and was taken to safety.