A WOMAN has been spotted hanging naked from a bridge which spans a busy North-East motorway.

Drivers have called police on two occasions after the mystery woman was seen either naked, or partially clothed, clinging from the bridge parapet of the Cleasby flyover on the A66(M), which links the A1 with Darlington on the North Yorkshire-County Durham border.

The first sighting came last Thursday, followed by a second over the weekend. However, neither could provide a detailed description of the woman or estimate her age, but both witnesses noticed a car parked nearby.

"We are taking this seriously as this could be someone in distress and perhaps even contemplating suicide,'' said a spokesman for North Yorkshire Police.

"Both callers reported the partially clad or naked woman had climbed over the railings and was hanging from the parapet above traffic passing underneath.

"We are concerned whoever it is may need help and we would urge her to contact us, or a doctor, or even an agency such as the Samaritans, in confidence.''

Anyone who can help solve the mystery is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on (01609) 783131.

Alternatively, the Samaritans can be contacted on 0845 790 9090.