A MAN scaled a telegraph pole in a bid to touch live electricity wires, say police.

The incident happened in Killingworth, North Tyneside on Wednesday evening.

"At 8.43pm this evening officers received a report that a man had climbed an electricity pylon in a field near to Simonside Way and was attempting to touch the live wires," a spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said.

"Northern Powergrid have been contacted and electricity to the pylon has been switched off.

"Officers are at the scene speaking with the man and trying to get him to come down safely.

"A small cordon has been put in place in the area while officers deal with the incident.

"There is no risk to any members of the public."

Shortly after midnight, police released a second press statement.

"The man who had climbed up the pylon is now down safely and has been taken to hosptial to be checked over," said the police spokesman.

"All of the power in the North Tyneside area has been restored and we would like to thank the fire service, ambulance service and NEDL for their help this evening.

"We would also like to thank the public and the local community for the support, patience and assistance they showed officers while dealing with this very difficult incident."