A man believed to be mentally ill, who climbed atop the fountain at Sam Sharpe Square in St. James, and threatened to jump, was rescued and admitted to hospital for monitoring and treatment.

Images of the incident, which occurred yesterday, are circulating on social media.

Mayor of Montego-Bay Richard Vernon said residents, as well as the police and fire brigade assisted in getting the man down.

Head of the St. James police Superintendent Eron Samuels said the based on reports, the man had turned off the water to the fountain, climbed to the top, and threatened to jump.

The police, fire brigade and a team of mental health officials responded.

The man was removed, then transported to the Cornwall Regional Hospital, where he was admitted, under the supervision of the mental health officials.

Superintendent Samuels noted that the incident is a one off, and that the area is patrolled frequently by beat cops, so there is no need to implement additional security measures.