A furious Twitter row has erupted after drivers stuck in seven mile tailbacks on the M5 urged police to push a man off a bridge in a bid to clear a four-hour traffic jam.
The motorway was shut at around 4pm following concerns for the welfare of a man near Junction 28, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Motorists including parents with young children were left ‘trapped’ in the cold for hours during the delays which began just before rush hour on Friday evening.
Officers are said to have refused to help stranded drivers until they had run out of petrol.
Furious Twitter users branded some drivers ‘insensitive’ after they posted tweets branding the man on the bridge a ‘selfish idiot’.
Motorists including parents with young children were left ‘trapped’ in the cold for hours during the delays which began just before rush hour on Friday evening
Officers are said to have refused to help stranded drivers until they had run out of petrol
Writing on the social networking site, Shaun Strachan said: ‘Several hours for one guy on a bridge? Push him the f*** off or pull him the f*** down.
‘Selfish d***heads don’t need humouring & further encouragement. Guess what though.. thanks to you and the next sad loser will do this again next week.’
Edwin Mills added: ‘To the person on the bridge threatening to jump that has shut the whole motorway down, you sir are a massive C***.’
Twitter users leapt to the man’s defence while slamming the lack of ‘compassion’ from drivers stuck in the traffic jam.
Glynn Laverack said: ‘Well done DC Police. Please ignore the intolerant selfish individuals who complain and lack humanity.
‘Let’s hope their mental health always remains intact and have no need for empathy from fellow human beings!’
Another user added: ‘Honestly can’t believe some of these replies, where is the compassion!?
‘The police are doing the best they can in an awful situation and have said if someone is seriously at risk they can get help sent to them.
‘Hope the man on the bridge gets down safe and the help he needs.’
At about 8.45pm police said the man was off the bridge and was being supported by mental health professionals.
The force had earlier tweeted: ‘Police and emergency services are currently at the M5 near J28 following concerns for the welfare of a man on the bridge.
‘A number of road closures are in place and we are working hard towards a safe resolution.
‘We appreciate that this is frustrating for our road users and we are doing our best to put in place diversions and to assist those currently stuck.
‘Please bear with us during this incident.’
It added: ‘We urge that people pull away with caution and drive with care – there are a number of breakdowns within the traffic backlog and surrounding routes are very busy.
‘Please all drive steadily, respect your fellow road users and get home safe.’
The man who was on the bridge was later detained under the Mental Health Act.
- For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123, visit a local Samaritans branch or see for details.