POLICE have thanked staff from a McDonalds restaurant who helped save a distressed man.

A man went into the chain's Consett restaurant at the weekend and asked for a pen to leave a note for his family.

The man indicated that he wanted to harm himself before leaving the store.

A spokesman for Consett Police said: "A staff member from McDonald's followed the man and kept talking to him as he walked to a remote spot.

"Other staff members stayed on the phone to us with updates whilst officers were on the way.

"Due to the selfless actions of the staff we were able to quickly find the man and arrange for help for him."

The force said officers at the scene were extremely grateful for the care and consideration shown by the staff involved.

"(They) had put themselves at considerable risk to help a stranger - a HUGE thanks from us," the spokesman added.

 

- More details to follow.