The Dartford Bridge had to be closed for more than an hour because a man was threatening to jump.

The whole of the QEII Bridge was shut from 3pm onwards after one lane was initially closed just prior.

Police were called to reports of a man having left his vehicle and climbed over the railing at the edge of the bridge.

Officers from Essex Police spent around half an hour trying to persuade the man not to jump into the Thames.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and successfully negotiated with the man, who then climbed back to safety." 

The crossing reopened to traffic heading southbound at just after 4pm, though heavy queues remained on the A282 back into Essex as far as Junction 30 of the M25 at Lakeside.

The Dartford Tunnel was also closed for a brief period, causing traffic to build up approaching the crossing in both directions.

Did you see what happened? Call 01689 885702, e-mail tim.macfarlan@london.newsquest.co.uk or tweet @NewsShopperTim