Rescue team called out after woman spotted on wrong side of barrier at South Shields landmark

Coastguard rescue teams and police were called out after a woman was seen on the wrong side of a safety barrier close to the seafront.

Officers from Northumbria Police, South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade and Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team responded to the report at The Leas in South Shields just after 11.15pm yesterday.

The Leas in South Shields. Copyright Google Maps.placeholder image
The Leas in South Shields. Copyright Google Maps.

Rope rescue equipment was being prepared if needed but the woman climbed back over after speaking to police negotiators.

A statement on Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team's Facebook page read: "The team were tasked along with our colleagues from South Shields VLB to Coastal Marker 25 (The Leas) to assist police after a report of a female on the wrong side of the safety barrier.

"Both teams worked together to make ready rope rescue equipment if needed along with preparing work positioning lanyards for our and the police negotiators use if required.

"The female continued to engage with police and after the arrival of the police negotiator and further talks, she agreed to return to the correct side of the barrier and into their care."

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