A MAN has been released by police without further action after being removed from a tower of York Minster.

He had used a harness and climbing rope to clip himself to a number of points on the vestry roof during the incident last night. (Monday)

It is understood the man, who had a supply of food and drink, had made several demands to police relating to access to his child.

He came down at about 9.15pm and was arrested for causing a public nuisance.

Inspector Geoff Crocker, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "He was wearing a harness and he had roped himself onto the scaffolding.

"He was clearly unhappy about something that has happened in his life and was making demands. His intentions were not clear."

Emergency services were called to the scene after 5.30pm.

Eyewitness Tony Neal said: "The man was on the scaffolding and the Minster Police called York Police. He was shouting that he wanted to know where his son was.

"The street was cleared shortly after that."

A large crowd had formed to watch the man climb the scaffolding and the entire area around the Minster was cordoned off.

The man is not from the campaign group Fathers 4 Justice.

He is in his late 40s or in his 50s and is understood to be from the West Yorkshire area. West Yorkshire Police are aware of the matter, police said.