M18 motorway closed after shocking photo shows man in the middle of carriageway

The M18 was shut near Junction 1 for Hellaby, Rotherham, today after police received ‘numerous’ calls from concerned motorists.

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South Yorkshire Police said: “Our roads policing officers had to close the M18 in both directions this morning due to the numerous phone calls we received from concerned members of the public about a male seen near Junction 1.

“We don't make the decision to close the motorway lightly, however the safety of the male involved, the public and ourselves takes priority over everything else.

“As can be seen from the footage from the police vehicle, the male clearly didn't want to be helped by our officers, and if we hadn't closed the motorway before approaching him, it could have been much much worse.”

Police added that the man had been detained and taken to hospital ‘where he will be receiving the help he needs’.

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