This is why the A27 was closed in both directions at Southwick Tunnel

The A27 was closed in both directions around Southwick Tunnel this afternoon (July 22), causing huge tailbacks in both directions.

Traffic queued as far east and west as Brighton and Lancing, as the A27 was closed between the A293 and A270.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said a young woman was seen by drivers in a 'distressed state' on the footbridge off Foredown Road in Southwick just before 3.30pm.

Officers closed the carriageway in both directions, police said, engaged with the woman and brought her down safely by 4.30pm.

Police Vest Photo.

The road was then reopened.