Traffic levels are now beginning to return to normal after police re-opened the A40 northern bypass around Gloucester (2.17pm).

Roads had ground to a standstill early this afternoon after police blocked both sides of the northern Gloucester bypass near to the Elmbridge Court roundabout.

It is understood officers were trying to secure the safety of an individual along the stretch of dual carriageway and were determined to keep everyone away from the scene.

Motorists hoping for a quick journey anywhere in the vicinity on the already usually busy Friday afternoon were disappointed. Traffic is backing up to the M5 motorway too.

According to Gloucestershire Constabulary the westbound A40 was static between the A38 Tewkesbury Road at the Longford roundabout and the A417 at Elmbridge Court roundabout.

TRAFFIC UPDATE - all roads have now re-opened. Thankyou everyone for your patience and GLOS POL wish you a safe onward journey

— Force Control Room (@GlosPolice_FCR) February 15, 2019