A woman has told how a pub firework display was "like a terror attack" when red hot debris started landing in the crowd causing sheer panic.
It comes after video footage showed a firework shooting towards the crowd at an event at Poacher's Pocket on Thursday night as families gathered to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Pub bosses have confirmed they have closed the venue until further notice and have apologised for what happened.
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Shireen Graham, 28, from Chester-le-Street, was at the display with her partner and friends when the fireworks began shooting into the crowd, saying it was "like a terror attack".
She said: "We arrived at around 5.30pm but the display didn't start until 7pm.
"Everything was going well and then it was about halfway through there were fireworks shooting into the crowd going left, right, and centre.
"Me and my friend are pregnant and I suffer from PTSD, it was awful.
"Everyone was running, bairns were screaming and crying there was even a dog there and that was just going off it.
"It's been traumatising, it took me hours to try and settle down I was just constantly shaking and my partner kept asking if I wanted to go to the hospital.
"The fireworks were all done on the roof.
"They were just going here, there, left, right.
"It was like a terror attack. I will never go to another firework display again. It was an awful night."
In a post on Facebook, the pub confirmed it would be closed until further notice and said they were "extremely sorry" for what happened.
The post said: "We would like to give a huge apology for the events that happened last night at the fireworks display. This matter is now under full investigation with the actual event organiser.
"We have taken the decision to close the pub until further notice. We are both extremely sorry for what has happened and send our best wishes to the entire community."
A pub owner Ian Heads, who runs Poacher's Pocket in Whickham, apologised to customers saying they were just trying to "give back to the community".
Pub owner Ian Heads, who took over the pub four weeks ago, said he is only aware of three people who came forward for medical assistance, all with minor injuries.
He explained: "There were three people who came forward for medical assistance, one teenage girl who had a little burn on the shoulder of her jumper but she was absolutely fine and said she didn't want to make any fuss about it.
"One chap came to say his coat has been burnt but it didn't go through to his skin although it was still not acceptable.
"There was another chap who had a small red mark on his cheek from where it looked like he had been hit by a bit of debris.
"We are not aware of anybody else who came forward to say that they had needed medical attention thank God.
"There was a panic caused in the crowd which is expected."
The North East Ambulance Service said they were not called out.
Mr Heads said he was also advised by the police to not post anything on Facebook and he shut the page down temporarily before positing a statement early on Friday morning.
Ruth Chandra North, who was at the display and filmed the incident, said at the time: "It has shaken everybody there up but the fear we all felt when the fireworks came towards us was horrific.
"Everybody was running and screaming. Kids were crying.
"I was never a fan of fireworks and always being told my fear was irrational but tonight has made me more aware of how dangerous and scary these things can be. I am still shaken up - and even more terrified of fireworks now."
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We are aware of the incident in Gateshead on Thursday evening and we are glad that nobody was injured.
"We have stressed all week the importance of firework safety and we will work closely with police and our partners at the council to support their enquiries into safety measures around this display.
"We would continue to reiterate our message that it is always safer to attend an organised display then letting off fireworks yourself.
"Licenced displays will be advertised on your local authority website and this is the best way to enjoy your Bonfire weekend safely."
The event organiser and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have both been approached for comment.
