Track standoff causes big delays

The incident lasted four hours until officers talked down the man

Services have resumed on the Tyne and Wear Metro after severe disruption was caused by a man climbing a signal gantry on Tyneside.

Police were called to Jesmond station after reports of a man above the tracks early on Tuesday morning.

Metro operator Nexus said the incident, which ended after four hours when officers talked down the man, caused long delays to all trains.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing a public nuisance.

A Nexus spokesman said: "Trains are now running to all stations but not to a normal timetable, which we expect to be restored later today."

Metro services were suspended between Gateshead Stadium, Regent Centre and Four Lane Ends from 0620 BST as overhead power lines were turned off to allow the police to work safely.

At 0745 BST trains from South Shields and Sunderland were able to run as far as Gateshead and about 30 minutes later as far as Haymarket.