Homeless man receives psychiatric help after Cork bridge rescue drama

A homeless man who jumped into the River Lee, triggering a seven-hour search-and-rescue operation, is receiving psychiatric treatment after being coaxed from a hiding place under a bridge.

The 35-year-old man, who is originally from Dublin but who had been availing of the services of homelessness agencies in Cork City for some time, was arrested for his own safety after being talked out from under Parnell Bridge by specialist garda negotiators on Saturday afternoon.

He was detained under the provisions of the Mental Treatment Act and taken to the Bridewell Garda station where he was examined by a doctor.