TEN years ago, this week, police and the Football Association launched an investigation following crowd trouble in a derby match between Sunderland and Newcastle.

A fight broke out during Sunderland's 2-1 victory leading to the arrests of 29 people.

An officer from British Transport Police sustained a broken wrist and a police horse suffered minor burns after being hit by a firework.

Newcastle fan Brian Ashcroft, 62, from South Shields, South Tyneside, said: "Only a few people were watching the match. Most of them seemed to be jeering each other across the divide.

"I won't be going to another derby match - I don't want to be mixed up in all of that.”

Plastic chairs were used as weapons in the brawl and riot police initially struggled to restore order.

Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, head of the force's Operations Unit, said: "The vast majority of fans behaved well. 29 arrests out of a capacity crowd is still low, and I would like to thank all the stewards involved for their assistance.”

Also, that week, prison bosses were investigated after they released the wrong man - when they mixed him up with his father.

The men - both called Terence Clegg – were awaiting trial for conspiracy to steal.

Mr Clegg senior, 51, was due for release after being granted bail by a judge.

However, guards mixed the pair up and mistakenly told his son he was being released.

Mr Clegg Sr, of Kenton, Newcastle, who is married and has two other children, said: "Terry is a good lad really and he was just doing what anyone else would have done - they opened the gate for him and let him walk out, what was he supposed to do?"

Meanwhile, a plaque was unveiled in a railway station to mark its excellent condition.

Grade II-listed Middlesbrough station was awarded the Association of Train Operating Companies' Station Environment Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards.

Competition judge John Ellis said: "This is one of the most prestigious of our awards, and First Transpennine is to be warmly congratulated on winning.

"Middlesbrough is an interesting station,but presents a challenge to maintain and provide high standards of environment and customer care. This challenge has been fully met by First Transpennine management and local staff."