Five men have been charged over a 2023 incident in which masked individuals drove a hearse and another car onto Dunston’s football pitch during a pre-season match against Gateshead. The vehicles spun around and leaflets were reportedly thrown before the men escaped, forcing the game to be abandoned and supporters to leave; police treated the incident as potentially linked to serious organised crime.

Northumbria Police said the charges followed a lengthy investigation, Operation Sentinel, and the suspects were due to appear at magistrates’ court. The accused, aged between 31 and 54, face allegations including conspiracy to cause criminal damage, make threats to kill, steal, and participate in an organised crime group. The match had been level at 1-1 at half-time when the vehicles entered the pitch, with police and a helicopter attending.