Police are investigating after a flare was thrown at a North East football match that saw a 12-year-old boy suffer smoke inhalation.

Officers from Northumbria Police are looking into an assault during the Sunderland AFC v Birmingham City game at the Stadium of Light between 3pm and 5pm on Saturday, April 15.

The Northern Echo: Officers from Northumbria Police are looking into an assault during the Sunderland AFC v

It was reported that the flare was thrown from the away fan section of the ground into the lower north stand.

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The flare then reportedly landed between the wheels of a wheelchair where a 12-year-old child was sitting.

The victim suffered smoke inhalation and was left shaken as a result.

No other injuries were reported.

An investigation was launched by Northumbria Police and extensive enquiries have been carried out to date, including a review of CCTV footage.

The Northern Echo: The picture of a man that Northumbria Police have issued of a man they want to speak to The picture of a man that Northumbria Police have issued of a man they want to speak to (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)

As part of their ongoing enquiries, officers have, on Wednesday (August 16), issued an image of a man who they would like to trace in connection with the report.  

He was seen in the area at the time of the offence and may have information that would assist the investigation.

The man, or anyone who recognises him, is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101, quoting crime number 048528J/23.