LIVE updates: Rooftop standoff as police surround block of flats in Bolton

Emergency services are at the scene of a 'stand-off' between police and a man on a roof, the Manchester Evening News understands.

Firefighters and police are responding to reports of a man on the roof of a premises at Turton Court, Bolton. A scene is currently in place around Cross Street.

Emergency workers have been at the scene for a number of hours. The flats involved are across the street from the busy Bolton Gate Retail Park.

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The M.E.N. understands that the man on the roof was a member of a group, though it is not known what has happened to the other people involved. A member of the public called the police and the situation has now 'escalated' into the man climbing onto the roof in a 'standoff', the M.E.N. has been told.

Greater Manchester Police has said that there is not a concern for welfare at this time.

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The man on the roof appears to be requesting to speak to a friend of his.

The man keeps asking police and negotiators to “go and get my friend”. He has now moved to behind a chimney @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/S5oFMPGoxg

Our reporter on the scene says it appears the man is demanding to see someone if he is to come off the roof.

The man is drawing letters with his hands. He appears to be signing the name of someone he is demanding to see in order to come down @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/9ju87d7TSx

Negotiators and residents around the scene can be heard.

Negotiators on the ground can also be seen shouting up to the roof from the ground. It sounds like residents within the apartment courtyard are also yelling @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/S6tE0k1Xfv

The man is moving