TRAFFIC and pedestrians were diverted away from an area of Exeter city centre because a man was threatening to jump from the top of a multi-storey car park.

The incident brought North Street to a standstill for almost an hour as trained negotiators were brought in to talk to the man.

Police were called to the scene shortly before 5pm on Friday, following reports that a man was threatening to jump off Mary Arches Street car park.

Other officers stopped traffic and kept members of the public away from the area.

A total of 17 officers were involved in dealing with the situation, including three negotiators. It was over by 5.45pm.

A police spokesman said the man, who was aged 50 and of no fixed abode in the Exeter area, was not arrested but was taken to a place of safety.

He was not thought to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs.