THE Gwydir Highway between Moree and Pallamallawa was closed yesterday afternoon for nearly three hours as police conducted an operation in response to a male being located deceased in bushland 12 kilometres east of Moree.

Police and emergency services attended the scene.

It is believed the man took his own life.

The operation centred around the Washpool area, near the Alice Downs turn-off, with motorists advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Traffic heading east and west were diverted to the back Pally Road.

The highway was closed at around 2pm and reopened at 4.45pm.

New England Police District Inspector Dwayne De Vries said there was no risk posed to the wider community during the incident.

“As part of the operation, the Gwydir Highway was closed for several hours to allow police and emergency services to safely manage the scene,” Insp De Vries said.

“The highway was subsequently reopened without further incident.”

Lifeline: 131114