Police have launched an investigation after a hearse and another car were driven into the middle of the Dunston v Gateshead football match.

After driving onto the pitch shortly after half time the Subaru and hearse drove around in circles.

A group of men in balaclavas then exited the hearse onto the pitch.

They threw a number of leaflets around before getting into the Subaru and heading off into the rain.

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device for just £4 for 4 months. Click here

The hearse was abandoned in the middle of the pitch.

Police were at the scene within minutes and no members of the public were hurt during the incident.

An investigation has been launched to discover the full circumstances surrounding the disruption.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "An investigation was immediately launched – and a number of enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the report, and locate those involved.

"Disorder will not be tolerated in the community, and anyone found to be involved will be dealt with robustly.

"While enquiries are at an early stage, it is believed that those involved are known to each other and there was no wider risk to the public.

"We are also aware that images and videos of the disturbance are being circulated on social media. Members of the public are urged not to speculate, and are encouraged to share any footage with police to assist the investigation."

Read more

Dunston v Gateshead LIVE: Match called off as hearse drives onto pitch

Bernies Bakery in Spennymoor closes its doors amid rising costs

Darlington boy watched friends enjoy bouncy castle from his wheelchair

Police are urging members of the public not to speculate on images and videos which may be seen on social media.

Officers remain in the area to carry out enquiries and to offer reassurance to the public.

Anyone with information or footage capturing what happened should contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101 quoting reference number NP-20230721-1154.