Storm Ingrid – Sea wall at South Shields destroyed by waves

Powerful waves crashed into the shoreline throughout the weekend, leaving sections of the historic sea wall collapsed.

Damage to the South Shields sea wall and pier (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

Debris was scattered along the promenade on Sunday (January 25) morning, while access to parts of the pier and surrounding areas has been restricted as safety inspections take place.

Residents described dramatic scenes as the North Sea surged over the defences, with repeated waves hitting the coastline during periods of intense wind and rain.

The damage appeared on Sunday (January 25) (Image: owen humphreys/PA Wire)

Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese national weather service IPMA, has caused widespread disruption across the UK, with the Met Office warning that unsettled conditions are set to continue into the coming week.

Yellow weather warnings for heavy rain remain in place across parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland and other areas, with forecasters warning of further flooding and travel disruption.

Damage to the South Shields sea wall (Image: owen humphreys/PA Wire)

Although the most severe rainfall has been concentrated in the South West, the North East has also experienced prolonged periods of strong winds and heavy downpours.

Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan said the UK is currently seeing “a strong jet stream powering across the North Atlantic,” bringing repeated spells of stormy weather.

The Dogger Bank wind farm vessel passes the damaged South Shields sea wall and pier (Image: owen humphreys/PA Wire)

“As it comes across the Atlantic, it gets stormy across the UK. So, unfortunately, the weather is looking very much unsettled right the way across the coming week,” he said.

Mr Morgan added that high winds could continue to cause disruption, with Tuesday expected to be particularly blustery and wet.

There is also a small chance of disruptive snow over higher ground in northern England and Scotland.

The damage at South Shields comes as Storm Ingrid caused chaos elsewhere along the UK coastline.

In the Devon seaside town of Teignmouth, part of its Victorian pier collapsed after being struck by powerful waves.

The Environment Agency has issued multiple flood warnings and alerts across England, with officials urging people in coastal and low-lying areas to remain vigilant as further spells of heavy rain and strong winds are forecast.