Traffic is building close to a busy North East motorway after a lane has been closed on a bridge across the Tyne River.
The A695 Scotswood Bridge in Newcastle has seen its southbound lane closed early this afternoon as emergency services attend the scene.
The lane, heading towards Swalwell in Gateshead, is blocked off by police whilst they deal with an incident.
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This has had a knock-on effect on traffic on the A695 Scotswood Road and the A694 leading onto the A1 motorway.
AA Traffic maps confirmed the closure at 1:26pm.
They said: “Road blocked and queueing traffic due to emergency services incident on A695 Scotswood Bridge Southbound from A6085 Scotswood Road to A694 Chain Bridge Road.
“Detour in operation - For bus service 22.”
The Northern Echo contacted Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service who confirmed they are dealing with a welfare incident.
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson also said: “We were called to Scotswood Bridge, Blaydon shortly after 2pm today (1 August) following concerns for a man’s welfare.
“We dispatched two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), who are currently still on scene.”
If you are in need of support you can contact the following:
- Samaritans is available, day or night, 365 days of the year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
- If U Care Share on 0191 387 5661 or text IUCS to 85258
- SANE on 07984 967 708, Calm on 0800 58 58 58
- The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals Mental Health crisis line on 0191 814 8899.
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