A man refuses to get off a crane at a construction site in Melbourne as police continue tense negotiations.
Emergency services were called to High Street in Thomastown, about 16 kilometers north of Melbourne’s financial district, at around 1.45am on Friday following reports of a fire.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, which police believe may have been started deliberately.
While at the scene, officers saw a man clinging to a crane atop the construction site.
The man refused to get off the crane, leading to tense negotiations between him and the police.
The man was reportedly naked for some time but has since put on his pants as police enter their fifth hour of negotiations.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area as High Street has been closed in both directions between Main Street and Pleasant Road.
Travelers are advised to use Edgars Road or Dalton Road as alternative routes.
More to come.