A very loud bang has been heard across parts of Tyneside prompting alarm and confusion across social media.
The extremely loud noise was heard at about 6.30pm and has been heard as far away as Sunderland, Boldon Colliery and Washington.
Users took to Twitter and Facebook to voice their concerns with some mistaking it for a bomb, a crash and even fireworks.
Click here for the very latest breaking news updates from across the North East
However, it turns out the source was a controlled explosion to bring down a crane at the Port of Tyne.
Video footage shows the explosion taking place at the Port of Tyne in South Shields.
An advance notice of the event was shared on the Port of Tyne website.
It said: "Mariners are advised that on Tuesday 2 nd November 2021 the below pictured exclusion zone will be in place to allow for the demolition of one of the Port of Tyne’s container gantry cranes. The exclusion zone extends approximately 150m from the Container Terminal quayside."
"No vessel is permitted to enter or approach the exclusion zone."
"Tyne VTS will broadcast a Navigational Warning 30 minutes prior to the demolition and again upon completion."
For the latest local breaking news direct to your inbox as it happens, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
