A train driver was showered with glass on the Tyneside Metro system after thugs hurled a brick through the front windscreen during rush-hour.

The attack happened as the Metro approached Tyne Dock station, South Shields, on Friday.

Passengers heard a bang as the missile was flung at the train as it neared a tunnel.

The driver was showered with glass and needed hospital treatment for cuts to his face.

Commuters were left stranded as police closed the line to investigate the incident.

Nexus, which runs the Metro, said that the attack could have been catastrophic for passengers on board had the driver been knocked unconscious.

The incident came less than a week after Nexus unveiled plans for a new security squad to patrol the system in the evenings to tackle anti-social behaviour at all 58 stations from October.

Last month, a 35-year-old man was stabbed on a busy platform at Gateshead Stadium station by a gang of teenagers.

* Witnesses to the incident or anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 0191-454 7555, ext 65324 or 65371.