Pictured: Grandfather who died dangling from 270ft chimney in Carlisle after climbing up 15 hours before

The family of a grandfather who died after spending 15 hours dangling from a 270ft chimney in Carlisle have paid tribute to him.

Robert Philip Longcake, known as Phil to his family and friends, was described as a “fantastic granddad” after he was formally identified following his death at Dixon’s Chimney on Monday.

His family released a picture of him along with a statement on Wednesday, saying: “Phil was a strong, brave man who achieved a lot in his short life.

“Sadly, due to recent disclosures he made about historic trauma he suffered, Phil was battling with his mental health, with the love and support of his family and health professionals whilst trying to overcome this.

Paramedics pronounced Mr Longcake dead at the scene at around 4.45pm after a specialist working-at-height team used ropes and a cherry picker to winch him down, around 15 hours after police were first called.

Officers were first called at 2.22am to reports of a man trapped on the top of Dixon’s Chimney, with fire and ambulances also in attendance.

The family statement added: “Phil was a fantastic granddad to his three grandchildren, James, George and William. They adored him.

“Phil had many wonderful and happy times with his family, and these memories will be treasured by his loved ones.

“Phil will be very much missed by his wife Andrea, his two children Robert and Laura and their partners Sarah and Darren, grandchildren James, George and William, dad Bill and brother John, and all his friends and those that knew him.”

Mr Longcake’s family added he was a keen motorcyclist, a musician and loved to walk his dog, Ted.

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A Coastguard helicopter had attempted a rescue for Mr Longcake but the operation was aborted due to the precarious position of the trapped individual.

A police spokesman said: “The thoughts of all the emergency services and partners are with the family and friends of the man. Specialist welfare police officers are supporting his family at this difficult time.

“An investigation will commence into the circumstances into how and why the man was on the chimney and the Constabulary will be informing Her Majesty’s Coroner.”