POLICE PROBING SHOCKING ATTACK BY MASKED GANG

THE DURHAM County FA and Durham Constabulary are investigating a serious incident that took place ahead of the Ebac Northern League game between Seaham Red Star and Sunderland RCA.

Players and coaches from both sides were taking part in the pre-match warm-up when a member of the Red Star coaching staff was targeted by a number of masked attackers carrying golf clubs.

The attack took place in front of a number of young mascots and supporters from both clubs. The coach was taken to hospital and it is believed he required stitches on wounds to his knee and back. The police were called by Red Star officials and were on the scene within five minutes of the attackers leaving the scene.

After a consultation involving the match officials and both clubs, the game still went ahead with a 15-minute delay, although members of both sides were clearly shaken by what they had witnessed.

Durham Constabulary immediately launched an investigation after questioning witnesses at the scene and asked for anyone in the area to contact them with any information.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “We are investigating an alleged assault which took place at the ground of Seaham Red Star FC, in Seaton Lane, Seaham, shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, August 28.

“Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting reference number 383 of August 28, 2018.”

The Durham County FA released a statement confirming that they would be contacting both clubs and the match officials before launching their own investigation.

A statement read: “The Durham County FA have been made aware of an incident which occurred at the Seaham Red Star v Sunderland RCA fixture last night and we will be investigating the matter by writing to both clubs and match officials for their comments. We are also aware the police are involved and are also investigating.

“The incident reported has no place at all in football and it is very concerning especially as it was witnessed by members of the public, which included children.”

No arrests have been made.