The rescue attempt ended in tragedy when the man was declared dead by paramedics and Cumbria Police at the Dixon’s Chimney scene in Carlisle.

Emergency services were called in the early hours of Monday after the man was spotted hanging upside down with his feet trapped between a ladder and the former cotton mill tower.

It is unknown how he got up there or what he was doing.

An earlier attempt to rescue him using a helicopter was unsuccessful.

The cherry picker allowed specialist rescue teams to reach the victim who was showing no signs of life after being trapped all day.

Cumbria Police said the man was in his 50s and from Carlisle.

A statement added:  “The man was recovered after a cherry picker was used to transport specialist technicians and specialist firefighters trained to work at height to the top of the chimney to lower him down.

“The thoughts of all the emergency services and partners are with the family and friends of the man. Specialist welfare police officers are supporting his family at this difficult time.

“An investigation will commence into the circumstances into how and why the man was on the chimney and the Constabulary will be informing Her Majesty’s Coroner.”