Newcastle fans sought after pre Man U disturbance

About 100 fans stopped at the Welcome Break service station at about 10.25am on Saturday where police were called over their behaviour.

Police said a 17-year-old female member of staff was hit with a bottle.

The fans were travelling by coach to Manchester, where their team later beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford.

It was the first time Newcastle had beaten United at Old Trafford since 1972.

Police said the disruption was over by the time officers arrived at the services at 10.33am.

And their way back from the game the fans were escorted through North Yorkshire and up to Tyneside, and were prevented from stopping at Hartshead, Wetherby and Ferrybridge services.

A spokesman said due to the numbers involved it would not have been practical or safe to detain everyone to look for a few suspects, and retrospective arrests would be made once the culprits were identified, which was usual practice.

Officers are investigating and are checking CCTV.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

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