Full police statement after M6 closes in both directions near Great Barr

File image of police on the motorway
-Credit: (Image: Reach)


Police have issued a statement after a stretch of the M6 was closed in both directions last night (October 20). The major motorway was shut between J6, for the A38M, and J7 for Great Barr on the northbound carriageway.

The southbound carriageway was also closed between J8 for the M5 and J6. Police were called to the scene at around 10.30pm.

National Highways Traffic Officers were assisting police with traffic management. Drivers were held in standstill traffic for around 90 minutes.

Read more: M6 closed in both directions for police incident

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Traffic diversions were in place during the closure. The motorway reopened some time between 10.30pm and midnight. National Highways thanked motorists for their "patience".

West Midlands Police this morning (MON) issued a statement and the reason for the M6 closure. A force spokesperson said: "A man was on the wrong side of the railings on a bridge, so the motorway was closed as a precaution.

"The matter was brought to a safe conclusion just after 10.30pm, and he motorway was reopened shortly after."