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Fireworks thrown at police as rival fans clash
FIREWORKS and missiles were thrown at police officers as clashes between rival fans marred the Wear-Tyne derby.
Despite Newcastle United laying on free coaches for supporters between St James's Park and the Stadium of Light, more than 1,000 fans travelled by train and Metro, causing problems before and after the match.
A British Transport Police officer suffered a broken wrist separating rival fans near St Peter's Metro station before the match.
Several incidents of fireworks being thrown were reported and a mounted police officer narrowly escaped injury when her helmet prevented her from being hit. Her horse, however, suffered minor burns.
Coins and other objects were thrown at police officers and rival fans, but police said the majority of fans were well behaved and only a small number gave cause for concern.
A total of 29 arrests were made for a variety of offences, particularly going on to the pitch after Sunderland's 2-1 victory over their bitter rivals.
Chief Superintendent Neil Mackay, head of Northumbria Police's operation department, said: "The majority of fans behaved well.
"Twenty-nine arrests out of a capacity crowd is still low and I would like to thank all the stewards involved for their assistance and would also like to commend the actions of police officers, who remained professional at all times, despite a number of difficult situations, which they managed to diffuse quickly.
"There will be a post-match inquiry to identify and arrest those who committed offences and I would particularly appeal for the public to identify the people responsible for throwing fireworks.
"It is difficult to comprehend the mentality of this. It is only through good fortune that the rider and horse and anybody nearby did not suffer serious injury."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01661) 869 191.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -3 C to 2 C
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