29 Arrests Follow Tyne-Wear Derby

A total of 29 people have been arrested by Northumbria police following a football match between Newcastle United and Sunderland.

Bottles were thrown and bins set alight as officers attempted to move crowds of people back following Sunderland's 3-0 victory over home team Newcastle.

The Tyne-Wear derby is known for its heightened tensions between opposing fans. Sunderland's victory was their first at Newcastle's ground, St James's Park, in about 13 years.

Northumbria police say the most serious incident involved a group of Newcastle fans in Central Station attempting to confront Sunderland supporters, before being intercepted by officers from British Transport Police.

During this incident missiles were thrown, which resulted in three injuries to officers, one of them requiring assessment at hospital.

In total 29 people were arrested throughout the day, in the main for public order type offences.

A large police presence was visible across town in preparation for the game, which saw a capacity crowd of over 50,000 supporters.

Early on Sunday morning officers, working with British Transport Police, helped Sunderland supporters on to special Metro and Rail services at Sunderland station.

Officers were out from early on Sunday morning in both Newcastle and Sunderland, visiting bars and pubs and speaking to fans.

Police say in general "supporters were in good spirits and worked well with officers".

Free supporter coaches, organised by Sunderland AFC, also transported away fans to the game in 12 coaches.

Some reports of minor incidents were received before and during the match, including the release of some smoke canisters.

Police say the trouble following the match was series of sporadic incidents of disorder in Newcastle city centre involving "what appear to be Newcastle United supporters".

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved today 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, enquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved.

"This was very much a partnership operation and a lot of planning went into what is a large scale policing operation to ensure that genuine fans were able to enjoy the game.

"Public safety is always our number one priority during any football match. For those who chose to get involved in disruptive behaviour they were either dealt with swiftly by officers or will be subject to retrospective action at a later date."

(IT/CD)