Van intentionally parked at the roundabout on the Great North Run route has been removed

Police are understood to have been called after the vehicle was parked at a roundabout on the route between Newcastle and South Shields on Sunday morning.

The incident occurred as 60,000 runners took part in the world-famous Tyneside Half Marathon.

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It is understood that the writing on the van was covered up before it was transported away.

Northumbria Police have been contacted for further information about the incident.

In July, four men were arrested after a hearse and a second car, a Subaru, were driven onto the field during half-time of the Dunston UTS v Gateshead friendly at Dunston Football Club.