Man ‘trapped’ at top of 290ft Dixon’s Chimney released after major rescue operation

Man reported to be unresponsive towards end of 14 hour operation

A man who had become “trapped” at the top of Carlisle’s 290ft Dixon’s Chimney has been lowered from the structure following a major rescue operation.

A helicopter, a drone and a cherry picker were all deployed to recover the man, who is yet to be named by police.

His condition is currently unknown.

It is not known how the man came to be at the top of the structure, however police say the alarm was raised shortly after 2am on Monday.

Emergency services had attempted to rescue the man using a helicopter and also by dropping a technical rescue team onto the chimney.

However both of those attempts have failed and a 90-metre cherry picker was ultimately called for.

Superintendent Matt Kennerley, of Cumbria Police, said there were concerns over how securely the man was attached to the ladder at the top of the chimney and the danger of backdrafts from the helicopter.

He added: “This is an extremely complex and rare incident and requires the specialisms of all the agencies to work together.

“Police officers are with the man’s family offering them support throughout this.”

Local newspaper the News and Star said a couple living nearby heard “shouting and wailing” at 1am and then again at 3am, which is when they looked out of their window and saw police at the scene.

Drones have been used to check on the man’s condition during the rescue operation.

The temperature in Carlisle was -1C at 3am, according to the Met Office, and fog may have made it difficult to launch a helicopter sooner. (Danny Lawson/PA)

John McVay, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service area manager, said: “This is a very complex and difficult process given the obvious dangers to the man and the extreme difficulty in gaining access to him in a way which will keep him and emergency services safe.

“I can assure the public that the emergency services are working tirelessly and effectively together to resolve this issues safely for all and that the protection of life is our first priority.

“I ask people impacted by the incident and the road closures to continue to show patience.

“I’d also like to ask anyone who has a cherry picker in excess of 90 metres within Cumbria to please contact Cumbria police or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service on 999.”

Cumbria Police added: ​“Officers became aware of a man trapped at height in the area following a call to police.

“Officers are supporting Cumbria Fire and Rescue service and other partner agencies to attempt to free the man safely.

“The road is currently closed at Stanhope Road, Charlotte Street and Shaddongate where it meets Bridge Street (A595).

“The public are asked to avoid the area.”

Dixon’s Chimney was built for the adjoining Shaddon Mill in 1836 by Peter Dixon and architect Richard Tattersall.

The Grade II*-listed landmark was originally more than 320 feet tall – making it the largest chimney in the country at the time it was built, according to Historic England.

However about 30 feet had to be taken off the top for safety reasons after it was damaged by lightning in 1931.