A WINDOW cleaner was left hanging in mid-air after falling from a crane in Bournemouth town centre.

Lucky Robert Blease was wearing a safety harness, which prevented him from plummeting 25 feet to the ground.

It is believed that he slipped trying to get back onto the cherry picker after cleaning the roof of The Avenue Shopping Centre in Commercial Road.

Witnesses saw his bucket drop to the ground first before hearing a loud scream.

Mr Blease was seen dangling by his harness before he was brought safely to the ground around a minute later.

The incident was caught on camera by Darrell Pike, who runs a stall in the town's Christmas market.

Darrell said he was setting up his stall, from which he sells small wooden models, when he heard the noise.

The 45-year-old said: "It was totally unbelievable seeing that first thing on a Wednesday morning.

"I was down there setting up for the day and next thing I know I hear a loud bang and a scream from down the road.

"When I turned round and saw him stranded up there it certainly came as a surprise.

"He was probably hanging there for around a minute and he was brought down carefully by the guy with the controls for the crane.

"It's so lucky they had the proper health and safety regulations in place because if he hadn't been wearing that harness we would have been looking at death, that's for sure."

Mr Blease did not wish to comment.

He works for Progress Cleaning Services. Representatives for the company said the incident highlights the importance of good health and safety measures.

Director Ian Robson said: "We are carrying out a full investigation of the incident.

"We have spoken to all relevant parties and will report back in full in due course.

"This incident illustrates the importance of adhering to Safe System regulations and the use of appropriate safety equipment, tools and clothing.

"I am pleased that Rob did not sustain any injuries, which can be attributed to the use of his harness."