MYSTERY continues to surround the tragedy triggered by a Carlisle man scaling the city's landmark Dixon's Chimney.

Officials from Carlisle City Council, which owns the listed former mill chimney, have confirmed that the ladders which the man clambered up were temporary and due to be removed from the 290ft-high structure this week.

They say also that there was no easy access to the chimney.

It stands in a secure compound, and the ladder attached to it begins at a height 15ft from the ground.

A Council spokeswoman said: "Recent works have been undertaken on the chimney building by a specialist contractor working on our behalf.

"The maintenance work was completed prior to the incident.

"The site is secure and is surrounded by a walled and gated compound.

“There is no direct access to the chimney from ground level. The ladders which are currently attached to the structure are temporary and were installed by the contractor to facilitate access to complete the maintenance repairs.

"These start from a height of 15 foot above the ground. We are working with our specialist contractor to remove the ladders.

“We are continuing to support the police with their investigations and our thoughts are with those affected by the incident at this sad time.”

On social media, there has been an outpouring of sympathy for the man, who has not yet been named.

Cumbria Police say that his family are being supported by specialist welfare officers.

The hundreds of comments posted online include the following from Kat Litt: "I never knew the gentleman but I prayed for him all day.

"I can not begin to imagine how his family were and still are feeling. My heart goes out to them along with all the emergency services who worked powerlessly to save him. It will have been an emotional and painful day for them too, so much respect. May he now rest in peace."

The operation to retrieve the man involved dozens of emergency service workers, including police, fire and a Coastguard helicopter crew.

Tragically, the man was trapped in the topmost section of ladder for most of the day in freezing conditions. Floral tributes have already been placed near the chimney, reflecting the sympathy people feel for the man and his grieving family.

The circumstances will be looked into by Her Majesty's Coroner.