A man who became trapped 290 feet up a chimney has died, police has confirmed.

A major rescue operation was launched after the man was spotted at the top of Carlisle's Dixon's Chimney.

Police, fire and ambulance scrambled to the scene, with a helicopter hovering near the top of structure in Cumbria.

An industrial-scale 90-metre cherry picker was also sent in to assist with the operation.

The man was later released from the top of the chimney, but later succumbed to his injures.

READ MORE: Dixon's chimney incident: Rescue operation underway in bid to save man

Footage from the scene appeared to show the man upside down with his legs in the air, at the top of the chimney.

It is believed his right leg was wedged between the structure's wall and the metal ladder attached to it. 

Roads around the structure, built in 1836 and a prominent local landmark, have been closed.

A statement from Cumbria Police said: “Police can confirm that a man who was trapped at height on Dixon’s Chimney in Carlisle and later recovered during a multi-agency operation has been confirmed as deceased.

“Paramedics pronounced the man, in his 50s and from Carlisle, deceased at the scene at around 4.45pm.”

A statement added: “The thoughts of all the emergency services and partners are with the family and friends of the man. Specialist welfare police officers are supporting his family at this difficult time.

“An investigation will commence into the circumstances into how and why the man was on the chimney and the constabulary will be informing Her Majesty’s Coroner.”