Man climbs into hospital ceiling in bid to escape police custody - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The incident happened at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg on Monday night. (ABC News)

A man has been charged after allegedly attempting to escape police custody by climbing into the ceiling of the Austin Hospital.

Police negotiated with the 21-year-old man for several hours before taking him back into custody.

The man will face court today, charged with several offences.

An alleged thief attempted to escape police guard at a Melbourne hospital by climbing through the ceiling.

Victoria Police said the 21-year-old man had been charged and remanded following an alleged theft in Preston.

He was taken to the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg yesterday after reporting a medical episode.

Police said the Carrum Downs man escaped custody at the hospital and climbed through a false ceiling about 10:30pm.

Victoria Police said the man was eventually taken back into custody. (ABC News)

Police negotiated with the man for about three hours before he climbed down and was taken back into custody.

In addition to the theft charges, police also charged him with escaping custody and criminal damage.

He was remanded to face Heidelberg Magistrates' Court today.