'Abusive' teenager arrested after police respond to huge crowds of children at Metro station

An 'abusive' teenager was arrested after hurling insults at officers as they responded to huge crowds of children gathering at a coastal Metro station.

Officers had been deployed to Cullercoats station on July 31 after reports of up to 100 teenagers gathering on the platforms.

Many hadn’t bought tickets and were not wearing appropriate face coverings after travelling to the coast.

Police approached one young man to ask him to buy a ticket and wear a face mask but they said he instead he became verbally abusive.

He repeatedly refused to wear a face mask and swore at officers in front of young children and their families.

The 16-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a public order offence but after calming down he was de-arrested and taken home and spoken to in front of his parents.

Now, officers have warned other troublemakers that they could be arrested if they behave in the same anti-social manner.

Police say the vast majority of teenagers were 'very compliant and respectful' to both police and Metro staff but that some behaved in an 'appalling manner'.

A spokesperson for Nexus, the operator of the Tyne and Wear Metro, said disorder on the Metro system will not be tolerated.

The 16-year-old boy was taken home and spoken to in front of his parents about his behaviour before being reported for an offence of public order.

Anyone who wants to report anti-social behaviour can do so online at the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101.