THE Eastern Bypass was closed yesterday over fears a woman was about to jump off the Barns Road bridge.

The road was shut between Rose Hill and Cowley shortly before noon when the woman climbed over the railings about half way along and sat on the ledge.

She was lifted to safety shortly after 3pm by police officers in a cherry picker and the road re-opened by 3.30pm.

Police also closed the bridge to traffic but pedestrians were still allowed to cross on the opposite side from where the woman was sitting.

One police officer could be seen talking to the woman and it is believed she was later tied to the railings for her own safety.

Police had yet to comment.

Oxford Bus Company diverted its number five service and traffic was severely disrupted in the Templars Square area and on the Oxford Road.

It is believed ambulance crews and other emergency services were parked on the closed bypass out of sight of the woman on the bridge.

Our top stories

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.