STAFF at Cirencester Hospital called on the police as a last resort to help treat a mentally ill patient earlier today.

Officers were called to the hospital at around 2pm today (Thursday, May 15) where they were asked to support medical staff in treating the 38-year-old man.

The man needed medical attention but would not let staff at the hospital help him.

A police spokesman said medical staff realised they were having trouble helping the man alone so enlisted the support of the police.

He was detained under the mental capacity act.

The police then transported the man, a member of his family, and a paramedic to another hospital for further treatment. It is believed that he was taken to Cheltenham General at about 3pm.