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M42 reopens after jump threat man detained

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A major Midlands motorway has reopened this afternoon after being closed for over 24 hours as police negotiated with a man threatening to harm himself on a bridge.

moreThe M42 was closed at around 12.45pm yesterday at the A38 road bridge over the M42 at Junction 1.

Police confirmed this afternoon that the man had been safely detained and that the motorway had reopened.

Police had asked for the public's understanding as they attempted to resolve the situation and apologised to motorists who were caught up in the disruption.

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They said the roads had been closed to ensure the safety of both the man and drivers on both of the main arterial routes.

Chief Supt Martin Evans, representing the Central Motorway Police Group and West Mercia Police, said: "We would like to apologise to all motorists and local people who experienced significant disruption as a result of this incident.

"We would also like to thank members of the public and the local community for their continued patience, understanding and compassion.

"The threat of harm to both the individual concerned and to vehicles driving on the M42 was so significant, there was no alternative but to close the motorway and for it to remain closed until the incident had run its course.

"We strive to resolve such matters as quickly as possible, but our number one priority is to put the safety of everyone concerned first and to protect life, even if it does take many hours.

"There are many who will be asking why we could not bring this to a conclusion more quickly and they will be wondering what methods we have at our disposal. I would like to reassure them, the only realistic way of resolving this was through a great deal of careful negotiation and patience."

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