UPDATED 2.30pm: A police spokeswoman said the incident has now been safely brought to a close.

She said the man was in the care of specially-trained professionals, and the road had now been reopened in both directions.

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POLICE have urged drivers to avoid a major York road due to an ongoing incident.

North Yorkshire Police have closed the A1237 in both directions between the Rawcliffe roundabout and the Great Northway roundabout at Poppleton.

A police spokeswoman has just confirmed the road has been closed as a precaution due to an ongoing concern for the safety of a member of the public.

She said: "Police were called following reports of concern for the safety of a man at around 1.20pm.

"The man is currently on the bridge on the 1237 roundabout near the Whetherby Whaler. The road has been closed at Shipton Road roundabout and York Business Park. Please avoid the area to allow emergency services to work at the scene."

Twitter user Peter Taphouse sent in this image from the scene:

Emergency services remain at the scene, and drivers have been advised to avoid the area.