EMERGENCY services were called to reports of hazardous waste being left on a rail station platform.

Yesterday afternoon (Thursday), Northumbria Police, Tyne and Wear Fire Service and transport company Nexus were alerted after a bag containing what was initially believed to be asbestos was found on a platform at Shiremoor Metro station, on Tyneside.

Testing was carried out by specialists and the waste was established as Supalux and therefore there was no wider risk to the public.

A police spokesperson said that initial enquiries suggest the material is connected to building work related to Nexus premises.

Shiremoor metro station was closed as a precaution and for the debris and waste to be cleared.

Trains continued to run through the station and replacement bus services were in place as required.