A man has caused chaos in Widley Road, Portsmouth, by climbing onto rooftops and hurling roof tiles down onto homes and parked cars. Police have sealed off both ends of the street while riot officers shield themselves from flying debris.
The incident began around 1am when the man started throwing tiles from the roof of a fish and chip shop. The rampage has resulted in thousands of pounds worth of damage to property and vehicles. One roof sustained a large hole, and the man’s continuous tile-throwing has kept emergency services on high alert.
Widley Road is now heavily guarded by police, fire, and ambulance teams. Fire engines block one end of the street, while police riot vans and the South Central Ambulance Service’s HART team hold the other. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and away from windows as the situation develops.
The man’s mother attempted to persuade him to come down, but he refused and continued his dangerous behaviour, narrowly missing a firefighter with thrown tiles. He remains on the flat roof of the corner fish and chip shop, shouting threats and ignoring all calls to descend.
Three firefighters were seen running down the street carrying an extension ladder, preparing for a possible rescue. Armed police officers patrol nearby as fire crews position an aerial ladder platform to reach the man and negotiate his safe return.
The tense standoff is ongoing, with officers continuing efforts to talk the man down from the rooftop rampage.
Originally published by UKNIP.
