Replacement buses were running between Heworth and South Hylton on Wednesday morning after a section of cabling was targeted overnight.

It meant no Metro trains could be run between Pelaw and South Hylton.

Metro operator Nexus warned people who vandalised the system were putting their own lives at risk as well as disrupting travel.

Northern Trains were able to run over the line and brought in extra services, but these were only stopping at Sunderland and Heworth.

Nexus spokesman Huw Lewis said: "This is something that is completely outside our control. I think it is sad that Metro should be targeted.

"And of course these people who do this are risking their own lives but they are also causing disruption to thousands of travellers this morning."