Man 'attempts to hang himself' in public gallery of Dutch parliament

No indication the incident is an attack, say police

A man appears to have tried to hang himself in the public gallery of the Dutch parliament chamber, according to ushers quoted by media in the Netherlands.

De Telegraaf newspaper quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the man had been pacing about in an agitated state before making the attempt.

His condition was not immediately clear but local media said he appeared to have been injured after falling several metres.

A public video feed of the speakers' podium showed the shocked reaction of lawmakers after a loud thump was heard. The session was postponed.

Photos on social media showed the man receiving first aid on a lawmaker's desk and later being carried out of parliament on a stretcher.

Hague police spokeswoman Hilda Vijverberg said there was no indication that Thursday's incident was an attack.

De Telegraaf identified the man as an activist who had camped outside parliament for several weeks in a demonstration for the legalisation of hashish and marijuana.

The Samaritans provide a confidential ear to those in distress. Their free phone line is open 24 hours on 116 123.