AN off-duty York policeman became the hero of the hour when he managed to talk a man out of jumping off a bridge near the city.

At about 11am yesterday, the policeman was driving on the A64 at Copmanthorpe Top when he spotted a man who had climbed over the railings on the flyover bridge.

He stopped, went up to the bridge and after speaking to the man, who was threatening to jump into the carriageway, the policeman managed to persuade him to climb back over the railings to safety.

The A64 had to be closed to all traffic in the area while the negotiations went on.

The man, who was described as being in a "distressed state" was detained under the provisions of the Mental Health Act.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate said the policeman had done "what sounded like an excellent job".

Sgt Mike Stubbs, of Acomb police station, was one of those who attended the incident, and said the officer had done "very, very well."

He said: "The officer was on his way to go shopping with his wife and saw this gentleman on the bridge.

"He went up and approached him. They started talking and the officer identified the fact that he was in a distressed state.

"The officer talked to him about the man's problems and managed to persuade him that jumping would not help them.