QEII bridge closes for several hours after incident

The Queen Elizabeth II bridge was closed for several hours due to an incident, causing delays of more than three hours for drivers.

Multiple emergency services responded to concerns for the welfare of a man on the bridge, which links the M25 between Essex and Kent.

The incident was reported shortly after 10:50 BST, and a diversion was put in place using the Dartford Tunnels.

Shortly before 14:30 BST, Essex Police said the incident had been "resolved safely" and thanked the public for their patience. The crossing was reopened.

The incident led to delays of more than three hours on the clockwise carriageway of the M25 as traffic stretched back to junction 28 for the A12 at Brentwood, and 4 miles (6.4km) approaching the tunnels on the anti-clockwise carriageway. Motorists were urged to avoid the area "wherever possible".

Clockwise traffic was sent through one of the Dartford tunnels, meaning vehicles over 4.8m (15ft 9) in height travelling northbound were advised to seek an alternative route via the clockwise M25 due to the restricted size of the other tunnel.

"We appreciate the patience shown by the public while this work was carried out," said a spokesperson for Essex Police, adding that traffic was expected to begin moving again shortly afterwards.

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