Police have cordoned off an entrance to a major hospital after a man climbed onto an internal roof and refused to come down.

Windows were smashed at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle city centre and officers were called to the scene at about 7.40am on Monday.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Officers are currently in attendance at the scene to engage with the man and bring the incident to a safe conclusion.

The Northern Echo: RVI cordon.RVI cordon. (Image: PA)

“A cordon is in place and members of the public are advised to seek an alternative route into the hospital where possible.”

Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said patient services had not been affected.

A trust spokesperson said: “A cordon is in place and we are advising staff and members of the public to use alternative routes into the hospital, including the New Victoria Wing entrance near to children’s outpatients and the Leazes Wing entrance.”

The Northern Echo: RVI cordon.RVI cordon. (Image: PA)