A PENSIONER was hauled to safety after spending 11 hours clinging to the fire escape of a retirement home.

The man, who is believed to be in his 80s, was taken hold of by two people shortly after 6.30pm yesterday on the second floor of the Princess Alexandra House in Preston Park Avenue, Brighton. He is believed to have been there since 7.30am.

Police closed a section of the road as officers tried to talk the pensioner, who was wearing his pyjamas, down from the top of the 25ft escape.

Up to five police cars, an ambulance and a fire engine were on the scene throughout the day and the road was closed.

Shortly after 6.35pm two figures appeared on the fire escape and grabbed the man before pulling him over the railing to safety. He was taken away in an ambulance. A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I saw him up there this morning when I left for work at 9am. I can’t believe he has been up there all day. I’m just glad he is ok.”

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: “The man, believed to be in his 80s, was threatening to harm himself.”

The retirement home declined to comment.