M32 closed after concerns raised for man's safety

There is traffic chaos in the city centre with the M32 currently closed in both directions between junctions 2 and 3 (3pm).

Police were called to the motorway where it meets Newfoundland Road at about 1pm this afternoon after reports raising concerns about the safety of a 31-year-old man stood on the wrong side of railings on a bridge over the busy commuter route.

Police have closed the motorway in both directions and advise motorists to avoid the area. The city centre is currently at a standstill.

There is congestion in roads approaching the area - including Fishponds Road and Stapleton Road, and Temple Way.

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UPDATE 3.10pm:

Police have closed several roads to allow negotiators to bring the man to safety.

The roads include:

• The M32 inbound and outbound at junction two

• Warwick road and Stapleton road

• Easton Way

• M32 slip road at Muller road

• Pennywell road

Chief Inspector Rhys Hughes said: "We apologise to motorists and are working as quickly as possible with our partners to bring Bristol's roads back to normal.

"As you can imagine this is an extremely sensitive situation in which we need to bring a man to safety.

"Diversions are in place and we would ask all motorists to bear with us while we continue to work with the man."

UPDATE 3.30pm:

Roads are still closed.

Labour MP Kerry McCarthy tweets: "Hope M32 situation (someone threatening to jump from bridge) is resolved soon with everyone safe #bristol And he/she gets support they need."

UPDATE 3.50pm:

M32 reopened, delays in the city centre expected to last for 20 minutes.

The M32 in both directions has re-opened and surrounding roads are being re-opened now that the man has been brought to safety.

Chief Inspector Rhys Hughes said: "I'd like to thank everyone for their patience this afternoon following this incident in the City centre. Traffic was brought to a stand still following numerous calls from members of the public reporting concerns for safety of a man.

"We took a swift decision to close the roads to limit any potential injury to the man and this had an impact of traffic in the surrounding area.

"The roads have been re-opened and we hope to get the City centre back to normal as soon as possible. I thank you again for your patience and co-operation."