The A14 Orwell Bridge was closed in both directions on Saturday evening while police dealt with an incident.

Emergency crews were seen heading to the area at around 5.20pm and officers closed both the westbound and eastbound carriageways around 10 minutes later.

UPDATE 9.30pm: Police have now confirmed a man has been detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

The A14 fully re-opened shortly afterwards.

Announcing the closure at 5.30pm, the spokesman said: “The Orwell Bridge is closed in both directions this evening due to a police incident.

“We would ask people to avoid the area.”

Drivers reported shortly after the closure at 5.30pm that traffic was stationary in both directions.

Ipswich Star: There are severe delays on the A14There are severe delays on the A14 (Image: EMMA VINYARD-JONES/TWITTER)

Coastguard search and rescue teams were also called to the scene.

Witnesses, many of whom are heading home over the bridge after attending Ipswich Town’s home clash against Morecambe, said ambulances were also in attendance.

Surrounding roads, including the A137 Bourne Hill next to the ski slope, were very busy.

Town centre routes were also gridlocked, according to motorists and the AA's traffic sensors.

There has also been a crash on Star Lane, with police and the fire service called to the scene just after 7pm, and traffic was heavy on the one-way system.

Ipswich Star: Several Ipswich routes are busy after police closed the A14Several Ipswich routes are busy after police closed the A14 (Image: AA TRAFFIC TOOL)

Eastbound traffic on the A14 towards Felixstowe was backed up past the Copdock Interchange while westbound delays stretched back to Seven Hills.

The diversion route was via Felixstowe Road (A1156), Bixley Road (A1189) and Colchester Road (A1214) through Ipswich.

Motorists travelling westbound were asked to follow the solid circle diversion symbol while eastbound drivers needed to follow the solid triangle symbol.