Storm-damaged pier closed to the public
PA MediaA pier has been closed to the public after it was damaged by Storm Ingrid.
South Shields' South Pier was battered by waves on Saturday causing "severe damage" to a section of the sea wall near the lighthouse, Port of Tyne said.
The lighthouse was repaired in 2025, two years after Storm Babet ripped off its dome, with other work to the wall ongoing.
Port operations director Graeme Hardie said public access was "strictly prohibited" while the team waited to carry out an assessment as soon as it was "safe to do so".
He said an update would be provided in the coming days about the next steps.
South Tyneside Council advised people to be careful if they visited the coastline, after the wind and high tides exposed "potential hazards".
"Large items of debris have also been washed ashore and are currently lying along the foreshore," the local authority said.
"Our teams are assessing the area and will remove hazards and debris as soon as conditions allow."
