POLICE have revealed that windows were damaged on a "football special’’ Metro on Tyne-Wear derby day.

A special train was laid on to take Sunderland fans to and from the Premiership clash at St James’ Park on Sunday March 4.

Northumbria Police say that when the train arrived at Newcastle Central Station at 10.32am staff discovered that one window had been damaged and another window pushed out in the rear carriage during the journey.

A spokesman said: "Enquiries have revealed the damage took place between Heworth Metro Station and Central Station.

"In a separate incident on another Metro train, which left South Hylton in Sunderland at 10.17am towards Newcastle Airport, it was discovered on arrival that ceiling panels had been dislodged and there was graffiti in the carriage, which appears to have happened at sometime during the journey.

"After the match, at about 3.20pm, an assault took place at Central Station. The victim, a man aged 18, was a passenger on a Metro train, which was stationary at the time.

"A large number of people came on to the platform, believed to be football supporters, and tried to board the train.

"During this incident, one man managed to board the carriage and punched the victim in the head, causing swelling and bruising."

Police are appealing for witnesses to these incidents to come forward.

The m,an in charge of match day policing, Chief Superintendent Dave Pryer, said: "After the match we said we would be further investigating incidents which happened both before and after the football had finished.

"We've now been able to make progress into investigations into the incidents reported and enquiries are ongoing into each of them to trace the people responsible.

"Tens of thousands of people were at the football match and many more were watching it at licensed premises across the region.

"Given the large numbers of spectators the numbers of incidents and arrests made was comparatively low and the vast majority of fans were well behaved.

"However, there is no place for any disorderly, threatening of violent behaviour and we're doing everything possible to ensure those individuals who caused issues on the day are dealt with appropriately.

"I'd appeal for any witnesses to any of these incidents, or anyone with information gets in touch with police."

Call the police non-emergency number 101, extension 69191, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.