Motorists that have been trapped on the Orwell Bridge for several hours were turned around by police so they could get home shortly before 9pm, officers have said.

Some drivers were stuck on both carriageways of the A14 near Ipswich since 5.30pm, when police confirmed they were dealing with an incident on the bridge.

A spokesman later confirmed officers are in the process of helping people to turn around and get home safely after long delays.

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.

Major delays of more than 60 minutes were reported on the eastbound and westbound sections with many drivers getting out of their cars in standstill traffic.

Ipswich Star: The Orwell Bridge is closed in both directionsThe Orwell Bridge is closed in both directions (Image: BEVERLEY BACON)

Vast swathes of Ipswich and the town centre were gridlocked as a result of the A14 delays with major routes such as Star Lane, Wherstead Road and Bourne Hill (A137) facing heavy delays.

There was also a three-car collision in Star Lane with firefighters, paramedics and police in attendance which sparked further disruption.

This incident is not believed to be serious or life-threatening and fire crews who were helping to clear up debris called a stop to the incident but remained on scene at 8.36pm.

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

The official diversion route wasvia 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.