Police have told Sky News there are "no signs of life" from a man hanging upside down on top of a 290ft (88m) chimney in Carlisle.

Officers have been working since the early hours to reach the man on Dixon's Chimney.

Pictures show him hanging by his legs from the top.

It is not known how he made it up the former cotton mill tower, or why he is there, but emergency services were called at around 2.20am.

Image: Roads in the area are closed

Residents could reportedly hear a man shouting and wailing as early as 1am.


Superintendent Matt Kennerley of Cumbria Police said emergency services were "working tirelessly" to bring him down.

He said they know his identity and officers are with his family.

A 90m (295ft) industrial cherry picker arrived following an appeal by police and firefighters and a ladder has now been attached to allow access for a specialist "working at height" team.

Dixons chimney in Carlisle - a ladder has been attached to the chimney to allow rescuers onto the chimney to attempt to rescue the man. pic.twitter.com/32QH9pOBIN — Cumbria Police (@Cumbriapolice) October 28, 2019

.Mr Kennerley said the operation will take a while, even when they reach the man.

The superintendent said earlier rescue attempts using a helicopter had failed.

"So far the multi-agency response has seen us utilise technology including drones," he said

"A helicopter has been used to try to rescue the man and efforts have been made to try to drop a technical rescue team onto the chimney to rescue him.

"These two attempts have not been successful so far due to concerns over how securely the man is attached to the ladder at the top of the chimney - and the potential danger of back-drafts from the helicopter.

Emergency Service and Mountain Rescue teams are still at Dixon’s Chimney in #Carlisle as they’re attempting to rescue a man dangling from the top. We’ll be hearing from police soon... pic.twitter.com/ydofMsgrSd — CFM Radio News (@CFMRadioNews) October 28, 2019

"This is an extremely complex and rare incident and requires the specialisms of all the agencies to work together."

Roads remain closed at Stanhope Road, Charlotte Street and Shaddongate where it meets Bridge Street (A595).

Police have asked the public to avoid the area.

John McVay, Cumbria Fire and Rescue area manager, said: "This is a very complex and difficult process given the obvious dangers to the man and the extreme difficulty in gaining access to him in a way which will keep him and emergency services safe.

"I can assure the public that the emergency services are working tirelessly and effectively together to resolve these issues safely for all and that the protection of life is our first priority.

"I ask people impacted by the incident and the road closures to continue to show patience."

The Grade II listed Dixon's Chimney was built in 1836 as part of Shaddon Mill and at the time was the eighth tallest chimney in the world.