It started about 10.45pm Saturday when a 22-year-old man was asked to leave a High Street hotel after an altercation.

Police said the man was later spotted sitting on the railing of the Belmore Bridge with his legs dangling over the side.

A passing motorist noticed the man about midnight and alerted police with concerns for his welfare.

Police spoke to the 22-year-old man, who claimed he couldn’t swim and allegedly refused to come off the railing or provide his details to police. He then threw his mobile phone into the river.

Police initially treated the matter as a possible self-harm incident, blocked off the bridge and called in ambulance and police negotiators to talk the man down.

Another man then approached the police tape identifying himself as a friend. Police said he ignored officers’ directions and crossed the tape.

The man on the railing pleaded with police to keep the other man away. 

Officers tried to physically restrain the other man, but he allegedly resisted and an altercation broke out.

Police said the first man then yelled “don’t touch my mate”, hopped back off the railing and ran towards the melee.

Police officers were assaulted before the two men were wrestled to the ground and subdued.

The 22-year-old Singleton man was arrested and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with climbing a structure, assaulting police and resisting arrest. He will appear in court in February.

The other man, a 24-year-old from Metford, will also appear in court on charges of hindering police.

Two police officers sustained minor injuries, but did not require treatment. Police said alcohol and or drugs were believed to be a factor rather than mental health issues.