Police Remove Man from Roof After Hours-Long Standoff in Newcastle
A man has been removed from a roof and transported to hospital following an extensive police operation that unfolded in Mayfield, Newcastle, on Monday. The incident, which lasted for several hours, prompted a significant response from authorities and disrupted local traffic.
Street Closure and Police Response
Hanbury Street was completely sealed off and closed to all traffic in both directions from Waratah Street to Macquarie Street throughout the afternoon. Armed police officers and paramedics swarmed the scene, with witnesses reporting the presence of specialist police in a Bearcat vehicle, uniformed officers, motorbike police, and NSW Ambulance paramedics.
Transport for NSW crews were also on site to manage traffic diversions, as police urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area. According to Live Traffic NSW updates, the street had reopened by approximately 7pm, alleviating the traffic chaos that had built up during the operation.
Details of the Incident
Police first attended the unit complex on Hanbury Street at Mayfield just after 12.30pm on February 23. A NSW Police spokesperson stated that a man climbed onto the roof of the complex as officers were attempting to speak with him, leading to the commencement of a police operation.
Just before 6pm, police confirmed that officers had successfully removed the man from the roof. He was taken to hospital in a stable condition, and inquiries into the incident were ongoing as of Monday night.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigations
The operation caused significant disruption in the Mayfield area, with residents and commuters advised to steer clear. The swift response from multiple emergency services highlights the coordinated efforts to resolve the situation safely.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the circumstances that led to the man climbing onto the roof. This incident underscores the challenges faced by police in managing such high-risk situations while ensuring public safety.
