Police horse attacked after Tyne-Wear derby 'fine'

Bud is now back in his paddock

A police horse attacked when football fans clashed following the Tyne-Wear derby was not hurt, officers said.

Bud, of West Yorkshire's mounted section, was apparently hit while controlling crowds after Newcastle United and Sunderland's game on Sunday.

Northumbria Police said 29 supporters were arrested amid the violence. Five have so far been charged.

Newcastle United, who lost the game 3-0, said it was "embarrassed and appalled" at the violence.

A man arrested on suspicion of attacking the horse was later bailed pending further inquiries.

'Not tolerated'

Police claim four officers were injured during clashes after the match at St James' Park.

Police horse handler, Isabelle Collins, with Bud

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Bud is fine and back in his paddock. All our horses are fit and well, resting and relaxed."

Ch Supt Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is.

"Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station.

"Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated.

"Inquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved."

'Deplorable individuals'

A spokesman for Newcastle United said: "We were embarrassed and appalled by the behaviour of a minority of so-called fans who were involved in disturbances and disorder in Newcastle city centre after the match.

"Newcastle United have been working with Northumbria Police, and will continue to do so, in order to identify all of the individuals concerned.

"The club will take the strongest possible action against those involved in the disturbances and will impose immediate lifetime bans on all those found guilty.

"These deplorable individuals have no place at Newcastle United and bring shame on the club and the vast majority of its proper, law-abiding, fans."

West Yorkshire Police has 18 horses in its mounted section, which it uses to police football matches up and down the country and for ceremonial occasions, according to the force's website.