Customers evacuated from Sunderland Asda after man's threats

Police were called to Asda in the Grangetown area of Sunderland following reports this morning.

A man had been seen on the wrong side of the barrier on the upper level of the store shortly after 7am.

Officers were sent to the scene and he was talked down unharmed.

He is now being checked over by paramedics.

One woman who was in the store at the time said: "The manager advised all customers to go home and come back later as there's a depressed man trying to take his own life. The store was fully evacuated.

"There were plenty of police and an ambulance present when I left the car park, so hopefully they've got it under control."

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said: "A 7.20am police received a report of concern for a man in Asda, Grangetown.

"The man was on the wrong side of the barrier on the ledge on the mezzanine level of the store.

"Officers attended and spoke to the man,

"He subsequently climbed to the right side of the barrier and is now with paramedics."