Four men arrested after hearse on pitch forces Gateshead vs Dunston football match to be abandoned
Four men were arrested after a hearse was pulled onto the field during a pre-season football match, forcing officials to abandon the game.
The friendly between non-league sides Gateshead and Dunston was canceled at half-time on Friday after the hearse was driven onto the pitch at Dunston, Tyne and Wear’s UTS Stadium along with a Subaru just before 8.20pm.
Both vehicles were thrown around in circles while leaflets were thrown from one of the cars outside the club on Wellington Road.
Men in balaclavas exited the hearse and joined the second car, which was driven off the field and out of the stadium.
Civil unrest will not be tolerated in the community and severe action will be taken against anyone found to be involved
Statement from Northumbria Police
The hearse was left on the field.
Northumbria Police said on Saturday that three men – two aged 19 and one aged 32 – had been arrested on suspicion of fighting, while a 41-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
You remain in police custody.
A statement from Northumbria Police said: “Unrest will not be tolerated in the community and severe action will be taken against anyone found to be involved.”
“Officials would like to thank the citizens who have come forward so far to assist the investigation. People are also being reminded to continue avoiding speculation on the internet and social media as inquiries continue to be made.
“Police will remain in the area throughout the weekend – and those with concerns and information are asked to speak to an officer on duty.”
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is asked to contact Northumbria Police via the police website or by quoting reference number NP-20230721-1154.
