Traffic on the A2 came to a standstill in both directions today as authorities responded to concerns for the welfare of an individual.

Kent Highways, via their official Twitter account, confirmed that traffic in Hall Road was halted as emergency services dealt with the incident.

Upon receiving the call, officers swiftly arrived at the scene and successfully located the individual, ensuring their safety.

The incident led to significant congestion, with traffic reportedly backed up to the Bean interchange and Cobham Services, according to reports from AA.

However, in a subsequent update provided at 12:07 pm, Kent Highways announced that traffic had been released and that delays were gradually dissipating.

For those in need of support or someone to talk to, Samaritans are available around the clock at 116 123.

A spokesperson for Kent Police provided further details, stating: “Police were called at 10:55 am on Thursday, May 16, 2024, to a concern for the welfare of a person near Hall Road, Northfleet.

“Officers promptly responded, implementing a road closure on the A2 while addressing the situation.

“We can confirm that the individual is now safe, and the road closure has been lifted.”

The swift action taken by emergency services highlights their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, even amidst challenging circumstances on the busy roadway