THE M1 was closed both ways this afternoon after police were called to a male in distress on a bridge.

The closure was in place between junction 40 and junction 41, near Carr Gate in Wakefield.

Police officers and heath service workers attended to the male just after 1pm on Monday.

He later came down safely and the motorway reopened just over an hour later at 2.20pm.

National Highways Traffic Officers were also in attendance to assist with traffic management.

Full West Yorkshire Police statement

A spokesperson for the force said: "Emergency services were called to a bridge above the M1 at junction 40 at about 1.07pm to reports a male was in distress there.

"A closure was put on the motorway at the junction while police and health services engaged with the man.

"He later came down safely and the motorway was re-opened at 2.20pm."