A MAN involved in a stand-off with police after he climbed onto a roof has brought traffic chaos to a town.

Officers shut Blackburn Road in Darwen after the man, with his face covered by a piece of cloth, was seen throwing tiles off the roof near Hollins Grove Street at around 1pm.

READ MORE: Man attested after 13 hour standoff 

Witnesses said they heard him shouting “legalise cannabis”.

Traffic diversions were set up on the main route between Blackburn and Darwen and long tailbacks ensued.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

A police spokesman said: "The incident is ongoing while officers deal with the situation.

"Traffic has been diverted down Earcroft Way and Hollins Road."

Lancashire Telegraph:

Lancashire Telegraph:

Traffic diversions were set up on the main route between Blackburn and Darwen and long tailbacks ensued.

Frustrated householders also complained that the police cordon made it hard or even impossible to get to their homes as the stand-off continued into the afternoon.

Some of the street closures were scaled back around 5.30pm.

A council spokesman said: "The police incident is still ongoing and the road remains closed.

"We are in the process of scaling back the closure points to allow access for residents only, there will be no through traffic. Again please adhere to the road closures, there is no point proceeding past the signage as you will only have to turn around,

"The lane closure at Earcroft Way will be removed and the revised closure point will be Blackburn Road, Darwen at the junction of Birch Hall Avenue.

"Residents of Anchor Grove Estate will need to navigate around Birch Hall Avenue and use Lynwood Road and turn left."

Paul Stuart, of Darwen School of Music, said: “I noticed several people from neighbouring businesses looking up at the roof and trying to shout a male down.

“He responded by throwing tiles from the roof and laughing.”

Tailbacks were made worse as parents tried to pick up children from several primary and high schools in the area.

Many were forced to park up and walk several hundred yards to the school gates.

One driver said: “It’s taken me 40 minutes from the services, up through Blackamoor lights to get to the other side of Darwen.”

Bus services from Darwen to Blackburn were affected by the road closure.

The Blackburn Bus Company said: "Due to a police incident, the A666 has been closed affecting our the1 buses and causing delays.

"We're sorry if this disrupts your journey with us today."

Many Lancashire Telegraph readers shared their thoughts on social media.

Amanda Webber said: "If he's shouting "legalise cannabis" then he's a perfect example why it shouldn't be."

Carole Ireson said: "He is a good advert for not legalising drugs."