POLICE spent almost 24 hours trying to talk a man down from a loft.

Officers went to a home on Wear Road, in Stanley, County Durham, at about 10.15am on Saturday, in connection with the man's welfare and mental health.

Police tried to talk to the 38-year-old, who has not been named, but he retreated to the loft space.

A Durham Police spokeswoman said he was "initially uncooperative".

Officers stayed at the house in an attempt to speak with the man to ensure his well-being, the spokeswoman said.

The man came down from the loft at about 6.30am on Sunday - more than 22 hours after police were alerted.

The spokeswoman said: "The situation was concluded peacefully. The man is presently undergoing a mental health assessment."