Europe

Turkish president ‘talks man out of jumping off bridge’

Office of Recep Tayyip Erdogan says president has promised to help man - reports

Video released by the presidential office showed members of Erdogan's security team persuading the man from walking off the ledge of the bridge that links Turkey's European side with the Asian side. Pics: Reuters
Sat Dec 26 2015 - 14:35

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office says he has talked a man out of jumping off a bridge.

Television footage showed Mr Erdogan’s motorcade stopping on Istanbul’s Bosporus Bridge, where a man was apparently contemplating jumping off.

Mr Erdogan’s aides are heard telling the man that the president wants to speak to him, then seen escorting him to Mr Erdogan’s car.

A security guard, part of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan security detail, speaks to a man standing behind of the Bosporus bridge barrier in Istanbul, on December 25th, 2015. Photograph: Yasin Bulbul/AFP
A security guard, part of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan security detail, speaks to a man standing behind of the Bosporus bridge barrier in Istanbul, on December 25th, 2015. Photograph: Yasin Bulbul/AFP

Mr Erdogan does not leave his vehicle and keeps his phone pressed to his ear, but the man leans in and the two are seen talking.

READ MORE

An official from Mr Erdogan’s office told The Associated Press the man was depressed because of family issues.

Mr Erdogan promised to help, said the official.

PA

Samaritans 24-hour helpline: 116 123