A man has died after falling down a seven-storey chimney in London.

Police say he apparently fell backwards while on the roof of a building.

Officers were called to a property in Great Cumberland Place, Westminster, shortly before 1am on Friday.

The body of the man (20) was found at the base of the chimney in the basement of a home.

The Metropolitan Police said the man is thought to have been sitting on the roof before he fell.

A spokesman said the recovery operation, which involved co-operation between police, the Air Ambulance, the London Ambulance Service and Fire Service, was "difficult and protracted".

Inspector Ian Bond of Westminster Police said: "Our thoughts are with the young man's family at this sad time."