Castleford man stages protest on roof of York Minster

He had climbed up some scaffolding onto the historic building for what he claimed was a peaceful protest.

North Yorkshire Police were called to the scene at 5.40pm but only managed to coax him down four hours later.

A police spokesman said: “The man claimed to be conducting peaceful protest and came prepared with food and safety ropes. He was not associated with any protest group.

“For the safety of the man and members of the public, the area was cordoned off while specially trained police negotiators spoke to the man.

“He eventually came down from the scaffolding, thankfully without injury to himself or anyone else at around 9.20pm.”

It is believed the man was protesting about having access to his child.

He was arrested and taken to police custody.