A man has died after plunging from the Dartford Crossing yesterday.

The man, believed to be a 42-year-old from Buckinghamshire, is said to have left his car on the QEII bridge shortly after 11am.

After pulling up in lane one, he climbed over safety barriers and stood on the other side, threatening to jump into the river.

Trained police negotiators spent several hours trying to talk the man down.

But at around 3pm he walked to the top of the bridge and plummeted into the river.

The man was rescued by lifeboat and taken to Darent Valley Hospital, where he later died.

Police have informed the coroner, and a post mortem is due to take place later today.

Traffic was delayed for several hours, with six-mile tailbacks reaching as far back as j3 of the M25 for Swanley and j29 for Upminster.

Those with feelings of depression should contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.