A fireman has wrestled a suicidal man on a high-rise balcony to stop him from tossing his two-year-old daughter to her death.
PHOTOS: High-rise rescue
Chen Long, 22, staged a daring rescue on Tuesday after Hu Binjun spent more than three hours dangling his daughter from the window of their eighth-floor home in Chengdu, southwest China.
Mr Hu's wife told gathering reporters the 34-year-old father had been threatening to drop the toddler and then commit suicide.
His efforts were only foiled after police negotiations failed and Mr Chen decided to attempt a dramatic rescue.
Dramatic photographs showed the young fireman dropping onto the outside balcony from the ninth floor, before he edged along the rail towards the window.
As police officers distracted Mr Hu inside, Mr Chen made a daring leap to grab the hanging toddler.
But the unemployed father did not let go and both men tugged at the girl for a few tense seconds to the horror of onlookers below.
Finally Mr Chen wrestled the toddler clear, holding her in one arm as he continued to block the crazed efforts of Mr Hu.
The tattooed father was eventually hauled inside thrashing his legs.
He was taken to a nearby police station where authorities said he tested positive for drugs.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
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