A MAN was arrested following a five hour rooftop stand-off which saw hundreds of tiles thrown into the street damaging other houses and cars.

The tiles caused thousands of pounds damage to a van, neighbours’ homes and a police car before a man was talked down by negotiators.

Witnesses watched as the man sat on his roof playing loud music, dancing and demanding a beer as he threw tiles at the van in Midhurst Road, Eastbourne.

A spokesman for Sussex police said they were called at 10pm on Thursday night and stand-off did not end until shortly before 3am.

Neighbour Emily James, 19, said: “About half nine there was a loud bang. He was at his window smashing it out form the inside, throwing plant pots, playing music really lound, going a little crazy. The police turned up and he was shouting at them.

“They were shining a torch at him and the neighbours were shouting at him to come down. Then he swung out the window, climbing up the roof, pulling all the tiles down as he went.

“Then he was just sitting there throwing tiles at his own van, aiming for his own van. It was very funny, there was police, fire everyone and they taped off our road.”

“They waited a very long time, he was going to the front and back of his roof throwing tiles and he was constantly asking for a beer, it was quite entertaining.”

A police spokesman said: “A man had climbed onto the roof of the property, and proceeded to remove and throw tiles, causing damage to a number of properties and vehicles, including a police vehicle. Officers at the scene provided reassurance to local residents.

“The local authority has been made aware of the damage and will be further supporting residents.”

A 57-year-old was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage following the stand off in

lSee more pictures at theargus.co.uk