A FOURTH Sunderland youth team footballer has received a police caution over the firing of paintball pellets.

Republic of Ireland youth team international Niall Flynn has served a suspension imposed by Sunderland.

The club will now decide what further punishment the 18-year-old midfield prospect is to face.

He was arrested last month after an off-duty policeman suffered an arm injury when he was hit by a pellet fired from a passing car, while walking with his daughter in Whitburn Road, Sunderland.

Flynn was given a formal police caution when he admitted involvement in the incident on returning to a city police station under bail arrangements.

Team-mates Sean Taylor, Ryan Bell and Chris Brown, who has recently been involved in first team action, were all previously given police cautions for similar incidents involving the use of toy paintball guns.

All the players offered public apologies, and the other three were fined and given community service stints by the club, as punishment for their actions.

A spokeswoman said Flynn will soon be informed what punishment he faces from the club.