It was slow going on the M5 motorway near Bristol as thousands of holidaymakers returned from a bank holiday break.

Traffic was slow in both directions from 3.30pm yesterday between junction 18, and junction 16 at Aztec West.

But there was no repeat of the delays at the start of the weekend when, on Friday afternoon, police had to close the motorway because of a man threatening to jump from the Avonmouth Bridge.

The motorway was shut for six-and-a-half hours from 1pm as police tried to talk the man to safety.

He plunged 100ft to his death shortly after 7.30pm on Friday.

The man, who was in his 50s and from Bristol, has not yet been named but was described as "vulnerable".

Police have now referred the case to the coroner and an inquest will be held into the man's death.

Many motorists left stuck in their cars for six hours have complained about the decision to close the motorway's northbound carriageway entirely to traffic while the incident was being dealt with.

Nearly 150 people commented on the story on the Evening Post's website, with many who had experienced long delays critical of the decision. But others defended the police decision.

Police said they closed the northbound carriageway because of concerns over the man's welfare and the safety of emergency services at the scene, as well as that of motorists.

Avon and Somerset assistant chief constable John Long said decisions to close roads were not taken lightly and only occurred in cases of considerable risk to life or safety.

The man's death has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, and the Professional Standards Department has been informed. This happens in all cases where someone dies who has had contact with the police.