Four men arrested after hearse was driven onto pitch during football match in Gateshead

Northumbria Police has confirmed four men have been arrested after two cars were driven onto the pitch during a pre season football match between two Gateshead clubs.

Dunston UTS and Gateshead FC had already played 45 minutes before the two vehicles, one of which was a hearse, drove onto the pitch at Wellington Road to the south of the Tyne.

Videos shared to social media show the two cars driving around the empty pitch with people in the hearse leaving the vehicle and getting into the second car before leaving the ground.

The game was cancelled due to the incident.

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A statement from Northumbria Police, released late on Saturday, July 22, said: “Four men have been arrested following a disturbance during a football match in Gateshead yesterday evening (Friday).

“An investigation was immediately launched – and extensive enquiries have been ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the report, and locate those involved.

“Three men – aged 19, 19 and 32 – were arrested on suspicion of affray. Another man – aged 41 – was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. The men remain in police custody at this time.

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

“Officers would like to thank members of the public who have come forward to assist the investigation to date. People are also reminded to continue to avoid any speculation online and on social media as enquiries continue.

“Police will remain in the area throughout the weekend – and those with concerns and information are encouraged to speak with an officer on duty.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we would urge anyone with information or footage, who has not yet spoken to police, to get in touch. Your information, no matter how small, could prove vital to our enquiries.

“Anyone with information can speak with an officer on duty, contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or call 101 quoting reference number NP-20230721-1154.”