POLICE closed a motorway, with an air ambulance at the scene, after a man fell from a bridge.

The M1 was fully shut in both directions between junction 41 (Carrgate) and junction 40 (Ossett/Wakefield) for just under three hours.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to reports of a concern for safety involving a male on the southbound carriageway.

They said it is thought the man had fallen from height. It is believed this was from a bridge above the main motorway.

He suffered serious injuries.

The man was rushed to hospital by air ambulance, which was spotted landing at the scene at around 3.45pm.

 

 

The incident was first reported at 1.51pm, according to the AA.

The closure was causing traffic to stretch back to junction 42 (Lofthouse) on the southbound carriageway and junction 39 (Wakefield) on the northbound carriageway.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The northbound carriageway of the M1 at junction 40 (Ossett/Wakefield). Picture: National Highways: YorkshireThe northbound carriageway of the M1 at junction 40 (Ossett/Wakefield). Picture: National Highways: Yorkshire

Vehicles caught within the closure were awaiting instructions from National Highways: Yorkshire officers and police officers at the scene.

A spokesperson for National Highways: Yorkshire said at 3.26pm: "If you're caught within the closure please await instructions from officers on scene.

"They will get you out of the closure ASAP."

The northbound carriageway of the M1 between junction 40 and junction 41 was reopened at 4.30pm.

But the southbound carriageway is still shut and will be for an extended period of time.

Traffic within this closure will be released soon.

A full statement from West Yorkshire Police said: "At 2.47pm, police were called to reports of a concern for safety involving a male on the M1 southbound carriageway, Wakefield.

"He is believed to have suffered serious injuries after falling from height.

"He has been taken to hospital for further treatment.

"Enquiries are ongoing and road closures remain in place at this time."