A MAN who threatened to jump from a third floor window in Accrington town centre was talked to safety by police.

And three people were arrested during the incident in Blackburn Road for allegedly telling the man to jump.

Police and fire officers were called to the scene just before midnight after they were told a man was standing on a ledge at a block of flats opposite the town hall.

They were told 20-year-old Martin Corkwell was in a drunken and distressed state and threatening to jump. A police officer forced his way into the third floor flat and, after 15 minutes, managed to talk Mr Corkwell back inside. He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary. A spokesman for Lancashire Police said the area was cordoned off and a crowd gathered during the incident. He added three people were arrested and charged with public order offences after allegedly shouting for Mr Corkwell to jump from the ledge. Angela Ball, 42, of Belfield Road, Accrington, and 19-year-old Maria Kennedy of Sultan Street, Accrington, are due to appear before Hyndburn magistrates on Wednesday.

The third person, a 17-year-old youth from the Accrington area, is also set to appear.

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