Emergency services have closed off Curzon Road in Southport this morning following a major incident.
Officers were called to the Hartley Hospital unit on Curzon Road after a patient at the secure mental health centre climbed on to scaffolding at the side of the building and fled from medical staff.
The main structure of the building was only removed in the past several days, and the area contains unsecured building materials.
Emergency crews remain on scene to ensure the patient is escorted back to safety, with officers advising residents in the area to remain indoors and away from the scene
A statement from Merseyside Police said: “Emergency services are currently in Southport dealing with an ongoing incident.
“We were called at around 6.30am to reports of a concern for safety of a man on Scarisbrick New Road, Southport who had climbed onto scaffolding in the area.
“Force negotiators are currently at the scene speaking to the man.
“Please avoid the area whilst we deal with the situation.”