Police were called out to negotiate with a man spotted on the wrong side of a bridge over the A42 in the early hours of today (Christmas Eve).

It took an hour from the initial report of the man being seen above the dual carriageway, to him being talked back to safety.

National Highways East Midlands tweeted that the A42 had been closed in both directions between Junctions 12 and 13 near Ashby due to what it described as a 'police incident'.

It added: "National Highways traffic officers are assisting with traffic management. Please expect delays in the area and approach with caution."

A spokesman for Leicestershire Police said later: "Police received a call at around 3.35am this morning to Leicester Road, Ashby De La Zouch, where it crosses the A42 following a report of a man on the wrong side of the railings.

"The A42 was closed in both directions while officers attended and negotiated with the man.

"Around an hour after the initial report, the man was detained under the Mental Health Act.

"The road has since been reopened."

National Highways later tweeted: "The carriageway is clear and the #A42 has fully reopened in both directions.

"Traffic is flowing freely and residual delays are clearing. Thank you for your patience this morning."