A section of the M1 was closed this morning after the brother of a man about to be returned to Albania threatened “self-harm” on a motorway bridge.

Police say they were called to a bridge between junctions 1 and 2 of the motorway at 3.50am this morning (April 27) after receiving reports of a man “threatening self-harm”.

This paper understands that he is the brother of a man returned to Albania earlier today on a 7.45am flight from Birmingham Airport, and that the incident was a protest against the removal.

A police spokesperson said that at around 6.15am the man was safely recovered from the bridge and that he will be placed in the care of medical professionals.

Both carriageways of the M1 were shut between Junction 1 Staples Corner and Junction 2 Fiveways, with the southbound carriageway also shut up to Junction 4 Edgware.

Police confirmed that the motorway has since reopened.

  • If you feel affected by what has happened and wish to find support, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 via phone for a confidential chat or email jo@samaritans.org