(Image: Google Maps)
A landmark pier has been closed just one week after reopening due to a "significant act of vandalism."
The North Pier in South Shields, recently restored as part of a £4.5 million project, was shut on Wednesday (August 19) after eight glass bricks were smashed near the lighthouse.
The Port of Tyne said the damage had made the area "unsafe for visitors".
Plus it has left sensitive equipment supporting the navigation equipment on the lighthouse "vulnerable".
(Image: Port of Tyne)
A spokesman said: "It is particularly disappointing that the actions of a small number of individuals have impacted access for everyone else and caused significant damage to this much-loved local landmark."
The pier had only just reopened after being closed since October 2023 due to structural damage from Storm Babet.
On the day of the incident, security asked visitors to leave the pier before officials closed the gates.
(Image: Port of Tyne)
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The Port of Tyne described the timing as "particularly disappointing" and estimated the repair bill to be around £20,000.
A spokesperson warned that the damage had "made the area unsafe for visitors."
They added: "We'd like to thank everyone who has visited responsibly and helped make the reopening such a success."