A MAN has died after falling from the centre of Itchen Bridge, police have confirmed.

The death of the man, believed to be in his 20s or 30s, had initially been treated as suspicious due to injuries on his body.

But after a major investigation this morning officers have concluded they were self-inflicted.

As a result, the bridge, which has been closed since midnight, has reopened  - much earlier than the 2pm initially predicted.

The closure of the bridge to traffic, cyclists and pedestrians has caused major gridlock coming in and out of Southampton this morning.

Police were called to the bridge just after midnight after reports that a man had fallen from the centre of it and into the water.

With help from HM Coastguard the man was retrieved from the water almost 40 minutes later and was taken to Southampton Docks by Calshot Lifeboat.

On arrival he was handed to paramedics from South Central Ambulance Service who took him to Southampton General Hospital, but despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at 1.29am.

Police launched an investigation which was described as “complicated” because of some of the injuries to his body, leading them to believe the death was suspicious.

However, detailed investigations throughout the morning have concluded with officers believing the injuries were self-inflicted.

The man has not yet been identified as next-of-kin are being informed. A file has been passed to the coroner.

The closure of the bridge sparked traffic chaos this morning for rush-hour motorists but it is expected to reopen shortly.

Hampshire Police have thanked everyone for their patience while the investigation was carried out.

They would now like to hear from anyone who was in the area at that time and saw a lone man on the bridge, or was on the Itchen Bridge between 11.30pm and 1am.

Anyone with information should call Bitterne CID on 101.

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