A MAN who refused to come down from a tree in Harnham for two hours has been safely brought to the ground.

The unusual incident at Harnham cricket field sparked a rescue effort from the emergency services, as several police cars, an ambulance, a fire engine and a van full of council workers arrived at the scene.

Officers eventually managed to coax the man down.

It is believed he had been up there for at least two hours, although it is not clear why he climbed the tree at this stage.

A dog walker reported the incident to police, who were seen in a stand-off at the base of the tree.

The man was heard shouting, but onlookers could not work out what he was trying to say.

Meanwhile, dozens of youngsters continued playing a football match on the field.

More as we have it.