A weekly newspaper reporter helped avert potential tragedy yesterday after talking down a protester who had been threatening to jump from a roof.

Police officers were called to the Boots store in Margate town centre yesterday morning after a man scaled the roof and unfurled a banner reading: “Why should I be punished coz I want to see my kids?”

He threatened to jump from the roof and nearby streets were closed by the police as a precaution.

The tense stand-off continued for more than two hours until the man asked to speak with a member of the media. Isle of Thanet Gazette man Saul Leese was sent up to speak to him and within minutes the drama was brought to an end.

Saul told thisiskent:  “He told me how angry he was that he was having problems contacting his three children. He felt incredibly angry and wanted to tell his story to the press.

“I am very glad that he did come down and pleased to have been able to help the police.”

Chief Inspector Rory Welburn said: “We had concerns for his welfare. We negotiated with him and would like to thank Saul for helping to bring him down.”

The drama was covered live on thisiskent, the online outlet for the Gazette and neighbouring Northcliffe sister titles.  A full report and video footage of the incident can be seen here.