A man who caused traffic gridlock when he was spotted throwing tiles off a roof has been arrested after a 13-hour stand-off with police.

At around 1pm on Thursday, a huge emergency response was called to Blackburn Road in Darwen after the man was seen launching the tiles from a the roof near Hollins Grove Street, shouting 'legalise cannabis'.

The stand-off continued until the early hours of Friday morning when the fire service were tasked with using their aerial ladder platform to bring the man down.

He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and affray at 2.30am and remained in police custody to be interviewed on Friday. 

A spokesperson for the police said: "The Siege of Darwen is now over after 13 hours.

"The male was brought down by LFRS crane and arrested for criminal damage and affray.

"All roads now open.

"Thanks to all of the residents of Darwen for their patience in this difficult situation."

Read: How the drama unfolded

On Thursday afternoon, traffic diversions were set up on the main route between Blackburn and Darwen and long tailbacks ensued.

Residents and commuters were advised to avoid the area and motorists were diverted along Earcroft Way and Hollins Road as police closed roads around the scene.

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 eventually scaled back around 5.30pm, with the roads fully reopening at around 3am on Friday.

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.

Lancashire Telegraph readers shared their thoughts on social media, with Facebook user, Amanda Webber saying: "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."

Anyone with information that could assist the police can phone 101 quoting log number 0623 of March 5.