A MAN has been detained under the mental health act after the M3 was closed off near Southampton this morning.

Police rushed to the scene between junction 12 and 14 at around 5.30am this morning after a motorist spotted the 40-year-old and became concerned for his safety.

Drivers reported seeing the man on a footbridge over looking the carriageway.

Early morning commuters faced massive delays in both directions while officers closed off the northbound road.

Queues stretched back 10 miles along the M27 in the busy run up to rush hour while the incident unfolded.

The man was detained and is currently in police custody. The road was eventually reopened at around 7.30am.