Police, fire and ambulance services were sent to a house in Leigh yesterday, Tuesday, following calls of a man in distress.

Police were first on the scene at Orchard Close at around 5pm and were soon accompanied by multiple fire crews, including engines from Leigh, Atherton and Bolton North.

Emergency responders were concerned about the man’s welfare, who did not want to come out of his house.

After a six-hour ordeal, the man is now being looked after in hospital having been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We received a call at 5pm yesterday (Tuesday) to an address on Orchard Close, Leigh, with concerns for the welfare of a man in his 50s.

“No fire actually took place.

“The man has been sectioned and was taken to hospital at around 11pm last night where he is now receiving care.”