Flash flooding has affected parts of the North East for the second time in just over a month

People were forced to take shelter on the Gateshead quayside as the rain started Credit: ITV

Parts of Tyneside and Wearside suffered torrential downpours this afternoon, causing flooding in some areas.

For the second time in just over a month, extreme rain left home and business owners fighting to keep the water out of their properties.

On the Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside, people had to run for shelter as the rain started coming down. Thousands of people had been enjoying the annual Bridges Festival, which came to an untimely and soggy end around 2 pm.

The heaviest rain lasted around half an hour, leaving cars stranded and rivers flowing down many streets. The Newcastle Central Motorway was closed, and Metro trains suspended because of flooding.