A 24-YEAR-OLD Romanian man is critically ill in hospital after allegedly attempting to escape police by hanging off a bridge over a dual-carriageway in Eltham.

Police were called to Eltham station on Sunday at 5.37pm after a member of the public reported a man acting suspiciously by a cash machine.

According to Greenwich police, officers chased the man who then climbed over railings on a bridge over the A2 dual-carriageway.

Police say the man hung by his fingertips to the bridge's ledge and two officers held him through the railings to prevent him from falling.

The man was held by officers for about 20 minutes and at about 6pm police say he became unwell and stopped breathing.

Ambulance and fire services were called and the man was brought to the ground using a hydraulic platform.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich and is currently in a critical condition.

Greenwich police are investigating the incident.

Borough commander Chief Superintendent Christopher Jarrett said: "I'm extremely proud of Greenwich police officers and staff.

"I believe their action saved the person from falling some considerable distance. My officers have my full support."