M6 closed for five hours over bridge incident

The M6 was closed for more than five hours today at Junction 10 for Walsall after a man climbed over the railings on the bridge over the motorway.

Motorists faced 90-minute delays in both directions as many headed of for Bank Holiday breaks of sports events.

The motorway was reopened around midday.

West Midlands police said: " A man who was standing on the wrong side of bridge railings above Junction 10 of the M6 has safely come down.

"He has been detained under the mental health act and will now receive appropriate support. We would like to thank you for your patience."

Traffic was earlier diverted via the junction's exit and entry slip roads in what Highways Agency described as an "up and over" closure around the junction.

Police said: "Officers were alerted at just before 6.40am and specialist staff are at the scene to try and resolve the matter safely.

"This has led to significant delays on the motorway and we apologise for this inconvenience. However, our focus always has to be safety of the public."

Further delays were reported on the M5 southbound after a crash collision between Junction 43 for Halesowen and Junction 4 for Bromsgrove.