A naked man who climbed to the top of a 220ft Los Angeles police tower has been arrested following a four hour stand-off with emergency services.

The unknown man scaled the lofty communications tower, ripping off his clothes as he went screaming, 'Onward, Christian Soldiers'.

He was finally rescued after LAPD crisis intervention officers ascended the tower, while the Los Angeles Fire Department also ensured his safe return by placing air cushions around the base of the tower.

Officers brought him down some of the way using a makeshift basket before he could reach a safety ladder towards the base of the pylon.

Attending officer Karen Rayner said the man, believed to be in his 30s and 40s, parked his car in the police department's driveway before he made his way up the tower.

She said: 'He started taking his clothes off as he climbed.'

It is not yet known why the mystery man decided to climb the tower.