Gateshead match abandoned after hearse drives onto pitch

The hearse was left on the pitch following the incident

A football match has been called off in chaos after a funeral hearse and a car were driven onto the pitch.

The friendly between Dunston and Gateshead was abandoned at half-time amid extraordinary scenes which stunned watching supporters.

Footage posted on social media showed the vehicles being driven in circles in the centre of the pitch.

Two men - who witnesses said were masked - then climbed out of the hearse and into the car and left the ground.

Gateshead FC fan Archie told the BBC the intruders "apparently barged through the gate from the car park" then broke through the railings along the edge of the pitch.

He said posters were thrown out of the car's window in an apparent protest before "two people in ski masks" jumped out of the hearse and into the silver car and drove off.

The posters included a number of personal allegations about two individuals.

'Terrifying'

Matty Hewitt, a football writer at the Newcastle Chronicle, said Northern Premier League club Dunston's UTS Stadium was evacuated as a police helicopter circled overhead following the incident.

"Two cars driven onto the pitch with masked men getting out and leaving a hearse on the pitch," he tweeted, describing it as a "terrifying experience with plenty of children about".

The match was abandoned by the referee.

Dunston UTS FC said it was a "family-orientated community club" and apologised for "any distress" felt by its supporters and visitors, "particularly the younger fans".

"Thankfully nobody was physically hurt or injured," it said in a statement.

"We will be working as hard as ever to repair the damage caused to our pitch and perimeter fencing and look forward to the forthcoming season."

Northumbria Police said they had launched an investigation.

"Disorder will not be tolerated in the community and anyone found to be involved will be dealt with robustly," a spokesperson said.

"While inquiries are at an early stage, it is believed that those involved are known to each other and there was no wider risk to the public.

"We are also aware that images and videos of the disturbance are being circulated on social media.

"Members of the public are urged not to speculate and are encouraged to share any footage with police to assist the investigation.

"Police remain in the area to carry out inquiries and offer reassurance to the public and those with concerns are encouraged to speak with an officer on duty."