Metro up and running after 'major disruption'

A train broke down at Haymarket station in Newcastle earlier this morning

Early morning Metro passengers faced "major disruption" after a train broke down at a city centre station.

Services were suspended between Jesmond and Gateshead Stadium in both directions due to the failed train at Haymarket in Newcastle.

Problems were first reported at about 07:00 BST and operator Nexus said the train has been moved.

Nexus apologised and added: "The Metro fleet is over 45 years old and it is a challenge to keep it going while we transition to the new trains."

Engineers from manufacturer Stadler arrived at the station and moved the train.

Services have resumed to all stations but "not to timetable and with large gaps in some areas".

Tickets are being accepted on Go North East, Arriva and Stagecoach bus services, Nexus added.

Metro services have suffered frequent disruptions in recent years, which have been put down to its aging fleet.

A shortage of spare, sometimes obsolete parts, has meant it has been difficult to repair the trains, the operator said.

Metro operations director Kevin Storey previously described it as "effectively like trying to keep a huge number of classic cars on the road".

The fleet was due to be replaced with 46 new trains costing £362m, last summer.

However, this has been subject to delays and Nexus said it was aiming to have the first new train in service some time in 2024.