Metro suspended following blaze

Metro services were suspended across parts of Tyneside following a blaze at a garage.

The fire started in a skip on Glen Street, Hebburn, South Tyneside, close to the Metro line on Wednesday evening.

Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade said the line between Pelaw and Jarrow was closed on Thursday because gas cylinders were found nearby.

Travellers were offered a replacement bus services, with Metro trains expected to resume on Friday.

Metro services from Pelaw to Sunderland were not affected.

More than 60 homes have been evacuated following the fire and police said 76 people had been taken to safety as a precaution.