A MAN has died in an incident on the M5 in Somerset this afternoon (Monday, January 24).

The motorway northbound was closed between Junctions 21 and 19 for a period after the man fell from a bridge.

Police declared a major incident and halted traffic at around 12.20pm

Police initially warned that the motorway would be closed "for a considerable amount of time" to allow investigations to take place.

But they were able to announced that enquiries at the scene were "completed sooner than expected" and the motorway re-opened at around 2pm.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "We're still keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened.

"If you can help, call 101 quoting log 384 of today.

"Our thoughts are with the man's family at this terribly sad time."