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22nd July 2023
09:22am BST
Gateshead's pre-season friendly against Dunston was abandoned at half time after a funeral hearse and car drove onto the pitch.
Footage on social media shows the two vehicles driving onto the pitch before spinning round in circles as those at the ground watched on in shock.
Witnesses said that two men - who appeared to be masked - then got out of the hearse before jumping into the car and fleeing the scene by smashing their way out of the ground.
A tweet from Gateshead, who play in the Vanarama National League, said: "Due to an incident on the pitch occurring shortly after half time, tonight’s match has been abandoned by the referee."
Reports have said that nobody was injured or threatened during the incident however local police have confirmed that they have launched an investigation and stated that those who were involved will be "dealt with robustly".
A police 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."
Videos of the incident have spread across social media and the authorities have encouraged people not to speculate on the incident and to share any footage that will help with their investigation.
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