A police officer has been praised for talking a man out of trying to kill himself.

PC Luke Mackie was called to scaffolding outside a building in Palmeira Square, Hove, early yesterday.

A man, who has not been named, was hanging from the scaffolding 150ft above the pavement and threatening to jump.

PC Mackie, based at Hove police station in neighbouring Holland Road, called for back-up and then started talking to the man. As police negotiators, an ambulance and the fire brigade were alerted, PC Mackie gently tried to reassure him.

The officer managed to persuade the man to climb down from his perch, outside a former antiques showroom which is being converted into luxury flats.

The man, who is believed to have mental health problems, was later detained for his own safety.

Inspector Michelle Collins said: "He was hanging from the scaffolding and seemed pretty determined he was going to jump.

"PC Mackie did a very good job in reassuring him and persuading him to come down so he could receive the help he needed."