Express & Star

M5 reopens to traffic after police called to concern for woman's welfare

The M5 was closed in both directions after police were called to concerns for a woman's welfare.

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Traffic was brought to a halt as a result of the incident between Junction 1 for West Bromwich and the M6, at around 11.30am on Thursday.

Motorists faced delays of around 60 minutes northbound and 30 minutes southbound whilst police worked at the scene.

National Highways confirmed at around 2pm the motorway has reopened in both directions, but warned of residual delays of around 30 minutes.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said the force was called to Junction 1 to a concern for welfare.

She added: "A woman who was on the wrong side of a motorway bridge was brought to safety and is being supported by health care professionals.

"The motorway was reopened just before 2pm."

Paramedics also attended the scene and helped bring the woman to safety.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of concern for a patient’s welfare near to junction 8 of the M6, where it links with the M5, at 11.33am.

"Two ambulances and a HART paramedic attended the scene. On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman.

"Once she (was) brought to safety she was assessed by ambulance staff before being taken to hospital."