Police today defended closing the M5 for six hours after a man fell from a bridge and died.

The motorway was shut on the northbound carriageway near to Junction 3 for Halesowen on Saturday afternoon causing miles of tailbacks.

West Midlands Police spokesman Billy Corrigan said: “All lanes were shut while officers took witness statements and reconstructed the accident.

“It was a long time because of the length of time it took to get the specialist reconstruction team and forensic officers down there.”

West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman John Hawker said: “Crews found a man that is believed to have fallen from a road that runs over the motorway and been in collision with a van that was travelling along the M5.

“It quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save the man. He was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Police sealed off the motorway and Carters Lane until 10.30pm. The man has not yet been identified.