Traffic on the A127 was brought to a standstill after a man was spotted “standing on the edge of the footbridge” at Kent Elms Corner in Southend.
Police were called to the scene and quickly shut the dual carriageway in both directions between Kent Elms and Progress Road. Congestion also built up on surrounding roads including Rayleigh Road as officers diverted traffic away from the area.
Witnesses described a tense scene as the man reportedly stood precariously on the footbridge which crosses the busy junction. Emergency services worked to keep the area quiet and calm while trained officers engaged with him.
While traffic became backed up in and around the area, the situation is understood to have been resolved safely, with the man being talked down from the bridge without injury.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for mental health support awareness and accessibility, particularly for those facing crises in public spaces.
Anyone aged 18 or over experiencing a mental health crisis can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to be connected to trained staff at the 24/7 crisis contact centre.
Basildon Hospital’s Mental Health Urgent Care Department is also available as an alternative to A&E for those in urgent need. It provides a calm, therapeutic setting and direct access to mental health professionals.
Other essential support services include:
- Samaritans (for everyone): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): Call 0800 58 58 58 (5pm to midnight) or use webchat: www.thecalmzone.net
- Papyrus (for people under 35): Call 0800 068 41 41 (9am to midnight), text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org
If you, or someone you know is struggling, reach out and talk. Support is available every day, around the clock.