Four men arrested after hearse driven onto pitch at Dunston vs Gateshead match

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Four men have been arrested following the incident that saw two vehicles, including a hearse, driven onto the pitch during a pre-season friendly.

The vehicles drove through a gate at the UTS Stadium before performing donuts on the pitch at half-time during the friendly between north-east sides Dunston UTS and Gateshead. Police arrived a few minutes later but the perpetrators had already left the scene.

Amid the chaos, the ground was evacuated, with a police helicopter spotted flying over Wellington Road. However, 24 hours on, Northumbria Police have confirmed that four arrests have been made. The quartet remain in custody.

A statement issued by the force this evening (Saturday, July 22) read: "Four men have been arrested following a disturbance during a football match in Gateshead yesterday evening [Friday].

READ MORE: Football match abandoned after thugs smash into stadium and drive hearse onto pitch

"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."

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