Emergency services were called just before 1pm with a stand-off ensuing throughout the day causing widespread disruption in the area.
The area around Stonechurch on Cannon Street close to Manchester Superstore Bolton was taped off with crowds gathering throughout the day to watch the drama unfold.
A spokesman for GMP Bolton said officers were called around 12.45pm to what is believed to be a concern for welfare call.
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Ambulance were also called to the scene.
Residents were evacuated from their apartments by police, with the cordon extended around the former church building.
As schools closed children were herded safely around the cordon which was on Cannon Street with a new cordon put in place on Emmanuel Street as crowds were throwing eggs.
The man continued to throw slates and tiles off the roof, with considerable damage caused to the roof, of what is believed to be a listed building.
Residents condemned the man’s actions and said that the roof will now need extensive and expensive repairs.
Negotiations between emergency services and the man are continuing.
It is unclear why the man scaled the roof at this point, although there was plenty of speculation among those gathered.
The incident is causing traffic chaos in the area with cars turning around as the cordon was extended.
The supermarket remains open for shoppers.
Stonechurch was formerly used by St Paul with Emmanuel Church, which now operates across the road.
We are expecting a new statement from police in the next few minutes about what will happen next.
