POLICE detained a homeless man last night under the mental health act after he caused “havoc” around Thornbury.

The 30-year-old man was apprehended after a spree of criminal damage around the town centre, including overturning recycling bins belonging to residents along Midland Way, smashing glass in the streets, and tearing up council flower beds along Rock Street.

Officers say that the man had suffered a psychotic episode and was visibly trying to injure himself when they came across him outside Aldi at 10.20pm.

An armed response unit was called to the scene, and after taking 15 minutes to calm the man down, police were joined by paramedics in escorting him to the mental health ward at Southmead Hospital.

The man has since been released following assessments made by the hospital's mental health team.

A tweet made by Thornbury police said: “Homeless male arrested after causing havoc in the town last night. Police continue to resolve this issue” but police have been quick to clarify that the man had been merely detained rather than arrested.

Thornbury beat manager PC Sean White said: “We do not condone any criminal damage in the town, but in this case out main priority is to see the individual gets the appropriate care and attention he needed.”