Passengers on a city centre Metro system were stunned when several dozen crabs were spotted crawling out of a train.

The crustaceans were filmed scuttling across the platform at Gateshead Metro Station at 9pm on Thursday.

It is thought a fisherman had caught the crabs at the coast and was using the Tyne and Wear Metro system to head home, but they managed to escape when his carrier bag split.

He left the station, leaving staff to clean up the unusual infestation. Those that survived the ordeal were taken to a marine life centre in Tynemouth.

A Metro spokesman said: "This wasn't an everyday occurrence and our staff acted quickly to remove the crabs from the train and platform.

"They have been taken to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Tynemouth."