Police were forced to close the Dartford Crossing following concerns for a man spotted on the bridge.

Officers shut the busy route in both directions after fears for the man’s welfare were raised just after midday.

Officers joined paramedics at the scene and he was taken safely into the care of medical professionals.

Police said at 1.30pm that the crossing would be opened “imminently”, leading to “severe delays of 60 minutes” and approximately seven miles of congestion on the approach.

The road has since fully reopened though residual delays remain.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called an incident on the Dartford Crossing bridge shortly after 12pm today.

“Officers responded to concerns for the welfare of a man on the bridge and worked alongside ambulance service colleagues at the scene.

“The man has been brought to safety and left in the care of medical professionals.

“This response necessitated the closure of the bridge to traffic.

“The road closure is set to be lifted imminently, but significant traffic issues persist in the surrounding area and drivers are urged to take account of this before they travel.”