NORTH-EAST leaders have been warned of fresh discussions over a potential move into Tier 3 following a late night summons from Government.

It is understood that leaders in the region were told by central Government that a meeting will shortly be called to discuss Tier 3 restrictions, and the potential move from Tier 2.

The email, which was sent at around 10pm on Thursday night, stated that ministers were keen for this meeting to happen as soon as possible.

Last week the region was allowed to remain in Tier 2 but leaders were told they had seven days to show existing measures were working.

Leaders were due to report back to Government this morning but it is not thought that this is the meeting the late night demand was referring to.

This marks the latest twist in a lockdown saga for the region, after leaders of Northumberland, Newcastle, South and North Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham councils came together to fight the restrictions.

Last week they signed joint statements pointing to a declining rate of infection in the region  and  urging the Government to not impose “devastating” coronavirus restrictions.

As recently as Wednesday the indications were that the region would remain in Tier 2.

New cases of coronavirus have slowed in the region with Northumberland reporting 168 cases per 100,000 in the seven days up to October 20.

The explosive email that told North-East leaders the region could be placed into Tier 3

These are the two sentences that could place the lives of almost two million people into chaos.

North-East leaders were told on Thursday that they must stage fresh talks with Government over a potential move into Tier 3 of the coronavirus lockdown.

The missive, sent by Robert Jenrick’s private secretary, warns leaders “there may shortly be a need to move Northumberland, Newcastle, Sunderland, North and South Tyneside, Gateshead and County Durham into level 3 restrictions.”

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, confirmed that “further conversations” with North East leaders are coming soon.

She said: “We’re engaging with councils regularly and further conversations with local leaders will follow shortly.”

This marks the latest twist in a lockdown saga for the region, after leaders of North East councils came together to fight the restrictions.

Last week they signed joint statements pointing to a declining rate of infection in the region and urging the Government to not impose “devastating” coronavirus restrictions.