North Carolina police officer talks man off edge of bridge and gives him a hug

Footage shows the moment when police officer convinces a man hanging off the edge of a bridge to not jump

Footage has emerged showing a North Carolina police officer talking a man off the edge of a bridge, before embracing him.

The incident took place on Wednesday evening in Raleigh, North Carolina.

It has been reported that police received a call at 7pm about a man hanging off the ledge of a bridge in the area. The officer had finished his shift and was on the way home when the police were notified.

The video shows the officer calmly persuade the man to make his way from the edge; and once safe, the pair share an emotional hug.

The incident coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day which took place yesterday and is observed worldwide.