Man charged after gas leak sees 34 South Shields homes evacuated
A man has been charged after a gas leak in South Shields led to 34 homes being evacuated.
The leak at an address in Trinity Walk was reported to Northumbria Police shortly before 18:00 GMT on Tuesday.
Police said the homes were evacuated as a precaution while the leak was made safe.
Michael Bays, 25, of Trinity Walk, South Shields, has been charged with criminal damage and possessing a controlled drug.
He will appear before South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
A police spokesman said: "We thank residents for their co-operation and officers remain in the area to offer reassurance."