A NIGHT out turned to terror for Hazel Howden after she became trapped inside an electronic loo for two hours.

Helpless Hazel Howden, 39, had gone to use the high-tech public convenience in the centre of Newcastle after a night out with friends.

But her urge to spend a penny turned sour for Hazel - who suffers from panic attacks, depression and diabetes - when the doors jammed shut and she couldn't escape.

Terrified Hazel, of Killingworth, North Tyneside, screamed for help as her desperate friends tried to free the doors.

Fire crews were eventually called and she was freed.

She is now considering legal action against Newcastle City Council and the firm it employs to maintain the £50,000 state-of-the art lavatory.

Distraught Hazel said: "It was very frightening for me because I suffer panic attacks and I I don't like being trapped in confined spaces.

"I have been in touch with my solicitor and hope to get damages."

Michael Shaw, area manager of maintenance company JC Decaux, said: "We are concerned this person was locked in the toilet because it has 30 different safety checks and the door should open automatically after a period of time."

A Newcastle City Council spokesman said: "We cannot give a 100 per cent guarantee mechanical problems won't occur, but we are satisfied the company we employ does everything possible to avoid this."