Apparent suicide bid closes M5 motorway near Bristol

A man believed to be threatening suicide forced police to close the northbound M5 near Bristol causing Bank Holiday traffic chaos.

Traffic soon built up after police closed the motorway between junction 19 at Portishead and junction 18 at Avonouth.

There were reports of queues northbound stretching as far as Weston-super-Mare.

Ambulance and fire services were called to the scene as officers attempted to talk to the man.

Police feared the incident could cause an accident as motorists heading southbound were being distracted.

Warnings of heavy traffic in the area were issued and police asked motorists to be patient while they managed the incident.