Man in hospital after falling from M5 bridge

The M5 was closed for a number of hours

A man has been hospitalised after he fell from a bridge over the M5 yesterday evening, Thursday, October 3. Police were called to the scene on the M5 between Tiverton and Wellington following reports of a concern for the welfare of a man.

Emergency services attended the scene and the man was taken to hospital for treatment. It is not believed he sustained any life-threatening injuries.

Avon and Somerset Police held all traffic on the M5 between junctions 26 and 27. The motorway was closed for a number of hours and was reopened just before 8pm.

At the time of the incident, National Highways warned motorists of the closure. It said: "The #M5 is closed in both directions between J27 (#Tiverton) and J26 (#Taunton) due to an ongoing @DC_Police led Incident. #TrafficOfficers are assisting with strategic closures on the approach."

A statement from Avon and Somerset Police said: "A man was taken to hospital following a concern for welfare incident on the M5 between junctions 26 (Wellington) and 27 (Tiverton).

"We were called at 6.09pm and shortly afterwards a man fell from a bridge. He was taken to hospital by paramedics with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

"The M5 was closed as a result of the incident and reopened shortly before 8pm."

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Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org .

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Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information. http://www.depressionalliance.org/

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying. http://studentsagainstdepression.org/

The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year, for people who are struggling to cope - experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis.

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Sunrise runs safe and supportive events, workshops and activities for those affected by loss through suicide. Visit www.sunrisecornwall.org.uk or search Sunrise Cornwall on Facebook or Instagram