FAMILIES were forced to flee after a firework shot into the crowd at a display outside a North East pub. 

A video shared on social media shows families frantically running away from the site. 

Nobody is believe to have sustained serious injuries. 

The Poacher's Pocket in Whickham has now announced it's immediate closure until further notice after the incident. 

A statement posted online read: "We would like to give a huge apology for the events that happened last night at the fireworks display. 

"This matter is now under full investigation with the actual event organiser.

"We have taken the decision to close the pub until further notice. We are both extremely sorry for what has happened and send our best wishes to the entire community."

However, members of the public have backed the pub after the incident and urged it to stay open. 

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “Shortly after 7pm yesterday (Thursday) we received a report of a disturbance outside Poacher’s Pocket on Market Lane, Whickham.

“It was reported that fireworks were exploding into the crowd at a planned display. The display was subsequently stopped by the organisers. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured.

“Officers attended the scene and enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

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