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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stephen Norris

Man talked down from old Dumfries and Galloway railway viaduct after 16-hour stand-off

A man was talked down from an old railway viaduct near Gatehouse after a 16-hour stand-off at the weekend.

Police, fire crews and an ambulance raced to the scene at the Big Water of Fleet after being scrambled around 10am on Saturday.

A Scottish Fire and Rescue rope access team also attended the incident but was not deployed.

According to one eye-witness the man perched high on the viaduct for 16 hours.

He said: “He was dressed in a t-shirt, shorts and trainers. He looked to be in his early thirties and was tanned.

“He sounded as if he was from the Newcastle area. He was having a constant conversation with police and was climbing back and forwards through the railings.

“He was up on the second arch, directly over the road.

“Police lit up the viaduct with flood lights at 11pm.

“It was still going on at midnight but by 5am everything had gone.”

The eye-witness also reported seeing “guys arrive dressed all in black with climbing gear on” preparing for a possible night-time operation.

Another eye-witness told the News: “A fire incident truck with the big fire extension ladder truck had gone down.

“The people [at a local property] have been told not to go out of their garden.”

A note found inside a coffee cup thrown in a bin at the scene had the call-out details for the fire crews on it, stating the man was at the viaduct.

The 20-arch structure, which rises to 70 feet above the ground at its highest point, is a popular destination for sightseers.

It stands only yards from the NatureScot Cairnsmore of Fleet National Nature Reserve visitor centre at Dromore.

A police spokesperson said: “About 10am on Saturday 28th August, police responded to a concern for person call at Gatehouse viaduct, where a 39-year-old male from outside the region was traced.

“When officers began to engage with the male it was obvious he was in crisis and his behaviour was a risk to his own safety.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Scottish Ambulance Service also attended as did local and national police negotiators.

“After a lengthy dialogue the male was safely taken into the care of ambulance staff at about 2am on Sunday 29th.

“He was taken for appropriate support and assessment.”

The spokesperson added: “The gentleman was from the north east of England.

“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Rope Access Team attended but was not used.”

An SFRS spokesperson said: “We were called to assist emergency service partners at 10.42am on Saturday, August 28, to an incident at the Big Water of Fleet railway viaduct near Gatehouse of Fleet.

“Operations control mobilised two appliances, one aerial vehicle and specialist resources to the area.

“Crews were on standby to assist partners and were later stood down.”

■ September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

Anyone needing help can contact Samaritans free any time on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Breathing Space also has a helpline on 0800 83 85 87.

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