Abandoned Match at Gateshead Football Club After Intruders Drive onto Pitch in Hearses and Cars

Shortly after half-time, a hearse and a car were driven onto the pitch, causing chaos and stunning supporters.

Footage posted on social media showed the two vehicles circling in the center of the pitch.

Two men then climbed out of the hearse and into the car, leaving the ground.

The intruders reportedly barged through a gate from the car park and broke through the railings along the edge of the pitch.

According to witnesses, posters were thrown out of the car's window in an apparent protest before the two people in ski masks jumped out of the hearse and into the silver car and drove off.

The incident was described as a "terrifying experience" by Matty Hewitt, a football writer at the Newcastle Chronicle, who added that the Northern Premier League club's UTC Stadium was evacuated as a police helicopter circled overhead.

Gateshead FC said the match was abandoned by the referee shortly after the incident occurred.

The club declined to provide further details, but said it was working with authorities to investigate the incident.

Northumbria Police confirmed they were called to the stadium following the incident and were investigating the matter.

The BBC has contacted the police for further information.

The incident has caused alarm among football fans and officials alike, with many calling for increased security measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The abandoned match will be a disappointment for both Gateshead and Dunston, who were looking to gain valuable match practice ahead of the new season.

The incident highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and security of players, officials, and fans at all levels of football.

It remains to be seen how the investigation will unfold and what steps will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.