THE M5 has been shut following a 'police incident' in which a man has sadly died.

Police were called to the scene at around 8.50am following concerns for a person's welfare.

A spokesman said: "A man has fallen from a bridge over the M5 and has sadly died."

The road was closed between junctions 26 for Wellington and junction 27 for Tiverton shortly before 9am today (May 2).

At around 9.15am, the road opened for traffic travelling northbound.

Police are currently in the process of releasing traffic southbound on lane three.

The spokesman added: "The northbound carriageway is now fully open.

"One lane on the southbound carriageway has been opened to clear the traffic.

"An assessment will be made as to whether that lane can remain open.

"Drivers are urged to avoid if possible."

If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the Samaritans by clicking here, or by calling 01823 288998.

Alternatively, you can speak to Cruse Bereavement Care by clicking here.

You can speak to Taunton and West Somerset's branch of MIND by clicking here, by emailing bereaved@mindtws.org.uk, or by calling 01823 334906.