Man falls from roof after 'altercation' - police

Forensic officers were working at the scene

A man has been seriously injured after falling from a building after "an altercation" on the roof, police have said.

Armed police were dispatched to the scene near Redditch Town Hall on Thursday.

West Mercia Police said a man in his 20s fell from the roof of Threadneedle House on Alcester Street.

Detectives are trying to find two men who were believed to be on the roof at the time of the incident.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said the man was given advanced trauma care at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Forensic officers were seen working on the street.

Officers believe there is no risk to the public

Police said an investigation was ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of what happened.

"Initial inquiries suggest there was an altercation between a group of people on the roof shortly before the man, who is in his 20s, fell," the force said.

"Searches are ongoing to locate two men who it is believed were on the roof at the time of the incident."

Lee Duggins said residents were told to stay put

Lee Duggins, who lives in Threadneedle House, said the commotion started about 14:30 when he spotted armed police and sniffer dogs.

He said the block's fire alarm went off but police told residents they were not able to leave the premises.

"It was utter panic," he said. "Fortunately most of the children would have been at school and missed it."

Ashlie McPherson said Redditch is usually quiet

Ashlie McPherson, another resident, described the scenes as scary and said the area was usually quiet.

"Not knowing what's going on and not being told anything is really concerning," she added.

"We don't really know what to think."

Det Ch Insp Gareth Lougher said there would be an increased police presence in the area but there was no risk to the pubic.

He said a firearm had not been discharged, contrary to some speculation.

Redditch Council had earlier posted on X that the town hall was closed by a police incident and urged people to avoid the area.