A North Tyneside trader experienced a near miss as they were setting up their stall at a Metro station when a glass panel was blown from the roof during Storm Otto leading to the station's closure.

Whitley Bay Metro station was closed just before 9am on Friday morning (17 January) after damage to the Grade II listed station building caused by extreme winds.

Engineers on site told The Northern Echo that strong gusts had blown glass roof panels free, which had landed on the station concourse - nearly hitting a trader who was setting up their stall.

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The Sustenance Society is an artisan baker which trades on Whitley Bay Metro station's concourse every Friday and Sunday.

They shared on their social media that "Unfortunately we had to close our little pop up today because the roof came down just where we were standing!

"We are very lucky that we live through this without a scratch and nobody got physically hurt! (It was blinking close!)

"We had to throw away everything on the stall as it was covered in broken glass."

Trains are still travelling through, although the station will remain closed for the rest of the day.

The roof is due to undergo a major refurbishment later this year.

A Nexus spokesperson said: “Gale force winds brought down a glass roof a panel at Whitley Bay Metro station this morning. Nobody was injured.

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“The station has been closed to the public while our structural engineers conduct a detailed inspection to ensure that it is safe for it to re-open.

“Metro services are currently running through Whitley Bay station without stopping there.

“We have Metro ticket acceptance on Go North East bus No1, and Arriva buses 51,54 and 306.

“Customers are advised to check the station has re-opened before travelling. We will provide updates via our Twitter page @My_Metro.”