Chimney chump

The 38-year-old from Darwen climbed onto the roof of India Mill and then up to the top of the ladder that runs up the chimney.

Security guards alerted police who had to call firefighters to rescue the man from a ledge 20ft up, near the main entrance, after he got stuck on the way back down.

The incident happened around 3.30pm yesterday and the man has been was warned by police about his conduct and released without charge.

Inspector Andy Cameron, of Blackburn Police, said: "It seems the man decided, in drink, to do this after making a bet with friends.

"When questioned by officers he said he was going to give the money to charity.

"After climbing up the chimney he got stuck on a roof on the way down back down and we had to call firefighters to rescue him.

"This is a particularly stupid thing to do whether someone has been drinking or not. He could easily have fallen as it's a perilous climb.

"The man was told that his behaviour had wasted valuable police time but this time he was warned and sent on his way."

Sub-officer Tony Hartley, of Darwen Fire Station, said the chimney was around 300ft high and the man's behaviour not only endangered himself but the lives of others.

He said: "It would seem to have been some sort of prank being played which was foolish in the extreme.

"Not only was he causing immediate, serious danger to himself but he tied up the emergency services for a considerable period of time.

"The police had to wait for him to come down and when he became trapped on the ledge they had to call us out.

"Both police and fire resources could have been needed in genuine circumstances elsewhere."

The Victorian mill was transformed in the 1990s into a prestigious office, retail and leisure complex.

It houses a variety of businesses including Capita which processes TV licences.

Local councillor Dave Hollings said: "I've never heard anything like this before in my life. It's very strange indeed."