Traffic is building close to a busy North East motorway after a lane has been closed on a bridge across the Tyne River.

The A695 Scotswood Bridge in Newcastle has seen its southbound lane closed early this afternoon as emergency services attend the scene.

The lane, heading towards Swalwell in Gateshead, is blocked off by police whilst they deal with an incident.

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This has had a knock-on effect on traffic on the A695 Scotswood Road and the A694 leading onto the A1 motorway.

AA Traffic maps confirmed the closure at 1:26pm.

The Northern Echo: A screenshot from AA Traffic Maps that shows the location of the incident and the traffic around it.A screenshot from AA Traffic Maps that shows the location of the incident and the traffic around it. (Image: AA TRAFFIC)

They said: “Road blocked and queueing traffic due to emergency services incident on A695 Scotswood Bridge Southbound from A6085 Scotswood Road to A694 Chain Bridge Road.

“Detour in operation - For bus service 22.”

The Northern Echo contacted Northumbria Police and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service who confirmed they are dealing with a welfare incident.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson also said: “We were called to Scotswood Bridge, Blaydon shortly after 2pm today (1 August) following concerns for a man’s welfare.

“We dispatched two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), who are currently still on scene.”

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