A MAN has died after falling or jumping from a bridge over the M4.

Police have closed all three westbound lanes of the motorway between junctions 17 and 18 as they deal with the incident.

Traffic is being diverted off at junction 17 at Chippenham and sent via country roads to rejoin the motorway at junction 18 at Bath.

Queues are already forming and motorists heading west from Swindon are expected to experience lengthy delays.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police, the force responding to the incident, said: "We have closed the westbound carriageway of the M4 near to junction 18 following reports that a man has jumped or fallen from a bridge over the motorway.

"The man sadly died at the scene.

"Motorists travelling towards Bristol from Wiltshire are advised to expect delays and may wish to find an alternative route.

"The eastbound carriageway is unaffected and remains open."

  • The M4 is now fully reopened