Byker stand-off: Shirtless protesters holding 'hang the paedos' banner in stalemate with police

The incident lasted more than three and a half hours

The two men standing with their banner on the Byker viaduct in Newcastle while being watched by police officers (Dan O'Donoghue/Twitter)

Two shirtless men sparked a lengthy stand-off with police after they climbed onto a Newcastle railway viaduct and unfurled a banner declaring "Hang the pedos (sic)".

Metro train services across the viaduct in the Byker area of the city were suspended as a result of the incident.

The encounter was documented by Newcastle Chronicle reporter Dan O'Donoghue, who was at the scene with the attending police and fire services.

In a series of tweets, he explained how the stand-off began with a blue bedspread with message inscribed in brown paint:

He said the pair subsequently began throwing rocks at onlookers below:

Mr O'Donoghue suggested the two men could be seen consuming alcohol:

Police negotiators were called to the scene...

Before the two men reportedly began shouting abuse at the police and Mr O'Donoghue:

Family members of the protesters arrived on the scene:

Onlookers were moved on by police:

A clothing change occurred:

The sun came out:

The police negotiator brought bottles of water for the men to drink:

The police stated their aims:

More people came to offer help:

The men were finally brought down:

The entire stand-off lasted three and a half hours and involved police officers, trained negotiators, fire engines and paramedics on back up.

Northumbria Police told The Independent, the men remain in custody but have not been charged.

Metro train services have since resumed, albeit with delays.