EMERGENCY services were called to deal with a suspect package at a distribution centre today.
A total of 24 firefighters, along with police officers, were called to DHL on the Team Valley Trading Estate in Gateshead at 7.45am.
A Tyne and Wear fire and rescue spokesman said two firefighters wearing specialist suits were sent to a sorting area where the package was found on a conveyor belt.
The sender was contacted, but was unable to confirm the exact make-up of the substance.
"A further two personnel were committed to the incident wearing breathing apparatus and identified the package as a cylinder containing isobutane which was made safe.
"The cylinder was then left with police who removed it and transported it to a secure location."
Isobutane is found in cigarette lighters and camp stoves as a fuel.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here