A DISTRESSED man suffered multiple fractures after falling 40ft from a road bridge during negotiatons with police at Ide early today (wed).

The casualty, 22, was taken by ambulance to Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital for treatment to broken legs and arms. It is not thought he suffered any head injuries.

The incident happened after officers were called at 6am to the Shillingford Road bridge over the A30 amid concerns for the man’s welfare. He had positioned himself on the wrong side of the bridge railings over the busy highway.

A police spokesman said: ‘While police negotiated with the man, he fell from the bridge, which is approximately 40ft high.’

He added: ‘The man was treated at the scene for serious leg and pelvic injuries by paramedics and has been taken to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth.’

The man, who has not been named, was said to be conscious and breathing after his fall.

The early morning rush-hour incident closed the A30 in both directions.

The incident also had a knock-on effect with heavy traffic approaching Exeter along the A380 and A38, where heavy congestion was reported.

Both directions of the A30 reopened at 8.15am.