Duck family rescue stops traffic at Tyne Tunnel

A van with a number of police officers
Some ducklings needed to be coaxed out from under the van, before being safely rescued [TT2]

The Tyne Tunnel had to be closed for "a short time" during rush hour traffic to rescue a family of ducks that wandered across the road.

Both carriageways were closed while the rescue operation took place on Monday at about 08:00 BST, at the northbound entrance in Jarrow.

Operator TT2 shared footage showing the duck and her ducklings being picked up with the help of police and put into the back of a van, before being taken away to safety.

TT2 apologised for the delays and thanked drivers for their patience.

People picking the ducks up next to a van
The ducklings gave their rescuers the runaround before they were eventually caught [TT2]

"Ducks brought the Tyne Tunnels to a short halt this morning," it said on X, formerly Twitter.

"All safely rescued! Thanks to all involved".

While the closure may have ruffled a few feathers during rush hour, others were more jovial on social media asking if the ducks "would be getting the bill" and if any of them were "ugly".

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