A football match was abandoned at half-time after a hearse was left in the centre of the pitch by masked men in an apparent protest.
The incident took place during Gateshead’s pre-season friendly against local rivals Dunston in north-east England on Friday evening.
The hearse was driven on to the pitch at Dunston’s UTS Stadium along with a second grey car, with both vehicles spinning around in circles while leaflets were thrown from the windows.
Masked men then left the hearse in the centre circle and joined the second car, which was driven off the pitch and out of the stadium in Tyne and Wear.
The hearse is believed to have been empty.
A police helicopter arrived at the scene and the ground was evacuated, according to pictures on social media.
Gateshead, who play in the Vanarama National League, the fifth tier of English football, tweeted: “Due to an incident on the pitch occurring shortly after half-time, tonight’s match has been abandoned by the referee.”
The score was 1-1 when the game was abandoned.
Northumbria police said no one was reported to have been injured or threatened and they have launched an investigation.
A spokesperson added: “Disorder will not be tolerated in the community and anyone found to be involved will be dealt with robustly.
“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.”
