A BUSY Southampton road has reopened after concerns for the welfare of a man.

Millbrook Road West was closed in both directions between Mountbatten Way to Regents Park Road due to the incident for around three-and-a-half hours.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 11.55am by a member of the public reporting concerns for the welfare of a man on Millbrook Road West.

"Officers are on scene and speaking with the man.

"A road closure is currently in place to ensure the safety of emergency services on the road."

Police redirected traffic at the junction with Regents Park Road.

One officer told pedestrians making their way to Westquay to walk through Shirley instead, adding: “We are trying to prevent people from going up there." 

An officer at the scene said: “There’s a vulnerable person involved.”

One bystander who didn’t want to be named said: “We've got an exhibition of die cast model railways and cars in the reserves centre here.

"It’s cost us two hours of trade because people can’t get down here to get in. I think the incident started about half twelve.

"It looks like two people on the bridge.”

Another bystander said: “They said it’s a young lad by word of mouth. All the streets round here are chockablock with traffic.” 

Southampton Travel warned drivers to use other routes and avoid the road if possible.

It also said due to the traffic being diverted from the incident, Shirley Road/High Street is currently slow moving.