M5 closed in both directions due to a police incident

There were major delays on the M5 motorway after a ‘police incident’ closed it in both directions.

The M5 was closed for about 90 minutes between junction 1 for West Bromwich and the M6 interchange, meaning tailbacks also affected the M6.

Drivers were queueing in both directions since the closure at around 12.45pm.

Congestion on the M5 was reported to be back to junction 2, while traffic on the southbound M6 was queueing back to junction 10a for the M54 interchange.

The M6 northbound was reportedly queueing back to junction 5 for Castle Bromwich.

A spokesperson for National Highways West Midlands confirmed that the motorway had reopened in both directions shortly after 2pm.

A statement on X added: ‘Delays of 30 minutes remain in both directions. Thank you for your patience.’

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: ‘We were called to a concern for welfare on the M5 at junction 1 near Oldbury at just before 11.30am today.

‘A woman who was on the wrong side of a motorway bridge was brought to safety and is being supported by health care professionals.

‘The motorway was reopened just before 2pm.’

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