Man in custody after 'reckless' stunt

A 57-year-old man is in custody after an alarming publicity stunt in Auckland this morning.

Traffic on the Southern Motorway was blocked when a person could be seen hanging from the East Tāmaki overbridge, next to a sign saying "reduce suicide", using what is believed to be a full body climbing harness to suspend himself from the bridge.

The man, who is believed to behind the stunt, wrote on Facebook that the action was a bid to "raise awareness of the lack of suicide prevention in New Zealand".

Social media were quick to condemn the action, calling it disgusting, triggering to drivers and school children who saw it, and expressing sympathy for families who had lost whānau in this manner.

Police were notified of the incident on the Southern Motorway at about 7.46am.

Inspector Danny Meade said charges are being considered.

“Emergency services from across Tāmaki Makaurau have been put in a situation where considerable time and resources were tied up as we dealt with this incident, not to mention the inconvenience to the public due to the lane closures involved.

“This was a significant and unnecessary incident, that in no doubt will have impacted many people over the disturbing sight.

"It is also incredibly lucky this man’s reckless actions did not cause injury to himself, or any other road users.”

Where to get help

• 737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor.

• Anxiety New Zealand 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

• Depression.org.nz 0800 111 757 or text 4202

• Lifeline 0800 543 354

• Mental Health Foundation 09 623 4812, click here to access its free resource and information service.

• Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254

• Samaritans 0800 726 666

• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

• Yellow Brick Road 0800 732 825

• thelowdown.co.nz Web chat, email chat or free text 5626

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