Man Dies After Falling From Southampton Bridge

19 June 2014, 11:21 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

A man has died after falling from the Itchen Bridge in Southampton.

The bridge was closed just after midnight and through the morning rush hour, causing long delays for drivers in the city.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said:

"At 12:04am today (Thursday 19 June), police received reports a man falling from the centre of the bridge. Officers were joined by HM Coastguard in searching the water below, and at 12:40am located a man and retrieved him from the water.

"Attempts were made to revive the man and he was taken to Southampton General Hospital. Further attempts to revive him were not successful and he was pronounced dead at 1.29am.

"An investigation was immediately commenced into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The initial investigation was complicated because of some injuries on his body, and the death was treated as suspicious.  

"However, following our investigation, the death is no longer being treated as suspicious and it is believed the injuries were self-inflicted.

"A file is being prepared for the coroner.  We are not in a position to release the identity of the deceased yet, next-of-kin are being informed."

Itchen Bridge was reopened to traffic at around 11am. Police say they would would like to thank everyone for their patience.

Officers investigating would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at that time and saw a lone man on the bridge, or was on the Itchen Bridge between 11.30pm and 1am.  Anyone with information should call Bitterne CID on 101.