VIDEO footage of a man who threw tiles and other debris at officers from a rooftop in a town centre has been released by police.

David Gray, of no fixed abode, was arrested on Tuesday morning after spending more than three hours on the roof.

Officers were alerted to reports of a man with a large electric saw trying to break-into Superdrug, on Front Street, shortly after 6am.

The Northern Echo:

David Gray has been jailed  

Gray fled onto the roof and began throwing roof tiles and other masonry at officers on the ground below and at the police drone which was hovering above the scene.

The 38-year-old threatened to spit at officers, claiming he had coronavirus, and he also attempted to start a fire.

As Gray tried to escape, officers climbed up onto the roof and arrested him.

Firefighters, paramedics and the police helicopter were all in attendance, together with a large number of police officers.

Part of Front Street had to be cordoned off for safety reasons.

At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, Gray was jailed for 46 weeks after pleading guilty to the attempted burglary of Superdrug, criminal damage to Admiral Casino, two charges of assaulting emergency workers and affray.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £128.

Chester-le-Street Neighbourhood Inspector Luke Terry said: “Gray’s behaviour was completely reprehensible.

“Not only did it result in significant disruption to Chester-le-Street, but he caused thousands of pounds worth of damage, risked the safety of himself and others and actively sought to harm officers at the scene.

“Hopefully this sentence will give him chance to reflect on his actions and realise that this kind of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We hope this sends a message that burglars will not be tolerated in this town and we will continue to work hard to take them off the streets.”