A potentially 'hazardous' bag which caused the rush-hour evacuation of a North Tyneside Metro station is believed to have been linked to Nexus building work.
Emergency services were called to Shiremoor Metro Station just before 4.30pm on Thursday to a report of hazardous waste being left on a platform.
Passengers were asked to leave the station as a "precaution" while investigators carried out checks on the platforms and tests on the material.
Tests confirmed the waste as Supalux - a fire protection board - and therefore posed no risk to the public.
Northumbria Police confirmed initial inquiries indicated the material was connected to building work related to Nexus premises.
Norma Short, from Monkseaton , was one of the passengers evacuated from the station.
She said: “I was told I would have to board on the other platform and change at Northumberland Park.
"We just got our tickets and were told the station is now closed and we had to evacuate."
Anton Borg, 22, from Shiremoor, travelled on the Metro from Haymarket to Northumberland Park and walked the rest of the journey.
He said: “As soon as I got on the Metro, the announcement came on the station was closed. They said it was to do with a police investigation.”
Northumbria Police officers were assisted at the scene by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Nexus staff members.
Trains continued to run through the station, and a replacement bus service was put in place for affected passengers.
A Nexus spokesperson said: “Shiremoor Metro Station was closed as a precaution after a suspected hazardous material was found on one of the platforms.
“Checks have now been done and it has been confirmed that material left was non-hazardous.
“Nexus staff are now cleaning up and we hope to announce later this evening when the station will reopen.”
