A MAN wearing only a pair of black underwear threw roof tiles from a childcare centre at police before being detained in a bizarre incident at Woodville West.

Police were called to Glen Rowan Rd just after 6.30am Saturday, after receiving reports the man was using a stick to break windows of homes.

The agitated man then climbed onto the roof of a Findon Rd childcare centre and ripped off roof tiles which he threw at police.

Firefighters and STAR Group officers used a rescue ladder to try and reach the man, while negotiating with him to come down.

The man sustained cuts and abrasions during the rampage, which startled motorists and nearby residents.

An SA Police spokeswoman said the incident ended peacefully after more than three hours.

“The man was apprehended just after 10am without incident, and taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for a mental health assessment,” she said.

Police were yet to decide whether the man would be charged with property damage and other offences.