POLICE can confirm that a road in Redditch close to the town’s Alexandra Hospital and Kingsley College is currently closed due to a concern for welfare.

A man in his 20s went on to a bridge above Woodrow Drive just before 11am today, Monday, March 3, threatening to harm himself.

Woodrow Drive has been closed at the junction of Studley Road. Access can still be gained to the hospital from further up Woodrow Drive.

School buses and parents who normally collect children from the school by car need to go to Studley Road adjacent to Kingsley College where police and school staff will assist them.

Children who normally walk home or catch buses from the hospital or from Nine Days Lane or Quinneys Lane will be told to follow diversions around the police incident.

Chief Inspector Richard Langton of West Mercia Police said: “Our priority is to resolve this situation as soon as possible in a peaceful way and without injury or loss to life.

“This may take some time and while the incident is not connected to Kingsley College, due to its proximity we are in the process of discussing options for students and staff leaving the site at the end of the school day.

“There is the potential for serious disruption and congestion in the area. We understand the frustrations this will cause and this is regrettable but our priority is to protect life and we wish to thank people for their patience and understanding while we resolve this situation.

“We urge people needing to travel through this area to check local radio or social media for updates.”