POLICE negotiators secured a man's safety after concerns about him had led to the closure of a bridge in York city centre for more than four hours.

North Yorkshire Police said today that shortly before 8pm last night, the force had received reports of concern for the safety of a man near Ouse Bridge.

"Police negotiators attended and spoke to the man at length," said a force spokesman.

He said that at about 12.30am today, the man was secured by officers.

"He will attend a police station as a voluntary attendee in connection with the incident at a later date," he said.

"We are grateful to the ambulance service, fire service and York Rescue Boat who all assisted in this incident.

"The bridge was closed to all traffic whilst we dealt with the incident. It reopened shortly after 12.30am."

Police tweeted after the incident that the man had been arrested but the spokesman said this was incorrect.