Police have arrested a man who climbed a statue in Barnsley in an act that brought the town centre to a standstill.

At around 5pm yesterday (May 19) police responded to reports concerning the safety of a man near Church Street, just outside Barnsley Town Hall.

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An individual had climbed the Crossing (Vertical) statue - commonly known as the ‘rusty comb’ - with Facebook posts suggesting he was attempting to host a political protest.

Roads around the town centre - including Church Street, Shambles Street, Eldon Street, Market Hill and Regent Street - remained closed for a number of hours as emergency services brought the man to safety.

Emergency services shut down a number of roads around Barnsley town centre yesterday as they brough a man who'd climbed a local landmark to safety. | Google/Submit

A 45-year-old remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called just before 5pm on Monday (May 19) following reports of concern for the safety of a man near Church Street in Barnsley.

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“A number of roads were closed for several hours while emergency services worked at the scene and the man was brought to safety around 8.05pm.

“A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of intentionally or recklessly causing a public nuisance and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.”

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Barnsley: town centre chaos ends after man who climbed local landmark is arrested