A BUSY road was forced to close after a serious crash which is caused long delays.

Worcester A4440 Southern Link is closed between Powick Island (A449) and Ketch Island (A38) island due to a serious accident on the Carrington Bridge.

Worcs Highways and Travel tweeted: "Carrington bridge is fully closed in both directions again whilst emergency services are working.

"City bridge currently still open in both directions but will need to close shortly for contraflow system Please avoid areas if possible due to congestion.

"Likely to be long delays, so unfortunately alternative routes are locally through Worcester, or via M5.

"We are trying to maintain access through town centre before flood closures.

"With rising river levels we are holding off the city bridge closure and contraflow system as long as is safe to do so.

"Severe congestion - please avoid if possible.

"Congestion on all approaches."

The A4440 and the Carrington bridge were reopened at 12pm today.

Worcester City Council has warned drivers to park further away from the river.

The council tweeted: "Please do not park in Cattlemarket, Croft Rd, Newport St, Pitchcroft & Tybridge St.

"Flood water is rising in all of them and you risk your car being stranded."