Police fully closed off a motorway for several hours this morning over concerns for the welfare of a man on a bridge.
Officers shut the M56 between junction 12 for Runcorn and junction 14 for Chester Services and Helsby at around 2.30am. Cheshire Police said a man was on a bridge.
Officers engaged with him for 'several hours'. He was taken to safety at around 7.40am.
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The road closures on both carriageways are now in the process of being removed, though there is still heavy traffic in the area. Drivers are being urged to avoid the route if they can.
In a statement, a Cheshire Police spokesperson said: "At around 2.30am on Thursday 19 May police were called to reports of concerns for the welfare of a man on a bridge on the M56 between junction 12 and 14. Officers attended the scene and engaged with the man or several hours. The man was taken to a place of safety at around 7.40am.
"The road closures have since been lifted although traffic is still heavy in the area and motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journey."
