Police operation underway in Burleigh Heads after man climbs crane

Emergency crews have swarmed Burleigh Heads this morning, with a man climbing halfway up a crane.

Officers are negotiating with the man along The Esplanade after being called to the scene just after 6am, but he is refusing to come down and is wearing only his underwear.

Police say it’s mental health related.

The incident is causing traffic dramas along the Esplanade from Third Ave to past Kratzmann Ave in Miami at the time of writing at 7.20am, with a section of the roadway closed.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area.

More to come.