Balaclava man with life-size Queen cut-out causes delays on Metro

Metro reported earlier today that passengers should expect delays of up to 15 mins to trains running between South Gosforth and South Shields and South Hylton due to a "police incident".

Witnesses have said on Twitter that the incident involved a man in a balaclava with a Queen cut-out, who had to be removed by officers.

The front of the train was said to have been evacuated when the man got on board.

Reports say six police officers from South Gosforth dragged the man from the station, with force vehicles spotted outside the station.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "At 8.25am, police received reports of a man being abusive to Metro staff and passengers at South Gosforth Metro Station.

"Officers attended and the man was arrested."

A Metro spokesman added: “There were some delays across the system when a train had to be held for 17 minutes at South Gosforth Metro station due to a public order incident which required the attendance of the police.

“A male passenger was being disorderly on board the train and was arrested at the scene.”