Drivers suffered hour-long delays this evening after the QEII Bridge was shut at the Dartford Crossing following concerns for the welfare of a man.

The clockwise carriageway was closed to traffic travelling from Essex into Kent from junction 30 to junction 1a but has since reopened.

Traffic was instead diverted via the east tunnel, which will mean that only the west tunnel is open to traffic heading north on the A282.

It happened just before 4.30pm and all lanes reopened at around 5.25pm.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We are currently on scene at the Dartford Crossing following concerns for the welfare of a man.

"We’re advising drivers to expect delays and to avoid the area if you can."

Highways officials say there are six miles of queues, stretching back to junction 28.

For travel updates listen to kmfm