A number of emergency services are in attendance and caused major delays around Ipswich and much of Suffolk. The bridge was closed around 5.30pm today between junction 57 with the A1189 Nacton Road and junction 56 with the A137 Wherstead Road.

       Both directions have been affected and traffic is queuing on the approach to the bridge.

       Drivers stuck in traffic have said they have seen ambulances coming through to attend the incident.

       Police could not confirm why the bridge was closed but said it was due to an ongoing incident.

       Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team urged people to seek an alternative route.

       They tweeted: “#a14 #ipswich #orwellbridge currently shut both ways due to an incident.

       “Police are in attendance.

       “Please avoid the area and seek an alternative route.”

       Highways England provided alternative routes.

       They said: “Delays are likely on approach to the closures, with additional journey times also expected on diversion routes.

       “Diversion route is via the A1156, A1189 and A1214 through Ipswich.

       “Westbound, follow the solid circle diversion symbol. Eastbound, follow the solid triangle diversion symbol.”

       Traffic around the area has been busier than usual due to the Ipswich Town FC’s home game against rivals Colchester.

       Pictures shared on social media show traffic queuing for miles down the road.

       People have left their cars as the delays are expected to last until at least 7.30pm.

       The coastguard has also been called and the RNLI Harwich lifeboat was dispatched.

       Ipswich Buses Service Updates tweeted: “We are sorry to inform you that the Orwell Bridge has been closed by the Police in both directions, this means traffic will build up and our services may face delays as a consequence.”

       Orwell Bridge Traffic Alerts said there are delays of up to 31 minutes on the east bound with around 69 minutes on the westbound.

       More to follow…