Storm Babet damaged piers closed for 'foreseeable future'

The dome from South Shields Lighthouse is thought to have sunk

Three piers in north east England will remain closed after they were damaged during Storm Babet.

Stonework was ripped from South Shields Pier and the dome on top of its lighthouse was knocked off by waves.

Tynemouth Pier, operated by Port of Tyne, and Roker Pier in Sunderland were also damaged.

A Port of Tyne spokesperson said the piers would "remain closed for the foreseeable future" for the safety of the public.

Despite a coastline search, the lighthouse's dome has not been found and has "most likely sank".

The dome was not made of valuable metal and the public is being warned not to search for it.

Inspections of Roker Pier could take weeks

In Sunderland, "in-depth structural inspections" are now being carried out on Roker Pier to confirm the extent of the damage.

The inspections are expected to take several weeks and Sunderland City Council said it would then consider budgets and timescales for the repairs.

A council spokesperson said: "Roker Pier suffered significant damage to its railings, stonework and paving in the pounding it took from 60mph winds and heavy seas of Storm Babet."

Inspections are also being carried out on the South Pier and the Old North Pier.