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Duck family rescue stops traffic at Tyne Tunnel

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

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.

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TT2 People picking the ducks up next to a vanTT2
The ducklings gave their rescuers the runaround before they were eventually caught

"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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