POLICE have revealed how they persuaded a distressed woman sitting on a York bridge's ledge to return to safety.

The incident happened early on Sunday at Ouse Bridge, but details have only now been revealed by North Yorkshire Police.

A spokesman said officers were alerted at 6.07am, following reports that a distressed woman was sitting on the ledge directly above the River Ouse.

"Officers placed a cordon either side of the bridge and began talking to the woman," he said.

"The ambulance service, fire and rescue and the York Rescue Boat were called in to assist as a precaution."

He said police were able to persuade the woman, who is aged in her mid-20s and from York, to return to the safe side of the bridge at 6.39am, and into the care of the ambulance team to receive medical support.

"The road reopened to traffic and pedestrians at 6.45am," he added.