Huge power surge on Metro network causes evacuation of major station
A power surge on the Tyne and Wear Metro service has brought trains to a standstill - and caused a station evacuation.
Monument Metro Station, in Newcastle City Centre, was evacuated a short time ago as a "precaution" following a power surge on the line, Nexus have confirmed.
The fire service also attended Monument station, according to the @My_Metro Twitter account.
Trains are currently on hold across the system, with delays in place. The fault occurred at South Gosforth.
A Nexus spokesman said: "There was a large power surge in the area.
"That is still under investigation. Monument was evacuated as a precaution.
"We are advising passengers to seek alternative transportation until we solve what the problem was.
"It affects a very large area of the system, not just the city centre. All trains are on hold throughout the system."
The only areas where a service is operating at present are St James's to Monkseaton - trains are not stopping at Monument - and Brockley Whins to South Hylton. These trains are subject to delays.
Staff are currently on site at South Gosforth investigating the cause of the power surge.
According to the @My_Metro Twitter account, Metro tickets are being accepted on Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach buses.
Steven Bourke, 29, is stuck at Brockley Whins station.
He said: "There's a huge crowd and most are on the platform.
"Most have been keeping up to date on their phones, but nobody really knows what is going on.
"Metro said on their Twitter that tickets could be used on the buses, but Go North East are not accepting them.
"We have seen trains going towards Sunderland but none going the opposite way."
Newcastle Central Police tweeted: "We have officers in the area to direct and reassure the public, so please ask if you need help."