POLICE are hunting a thug who sprayed a police officer and rival soccer fans with CS gas.

The incidents happened as violence erupted at the Middlesbrough and Leeds match last Saturday, which led to 15 people being arrested.

Superintendent Graham Strange, of Cleveland Police, said fans and a mounted officer were sprayed with the gas.

The officer suffered only minor injuries, but police said the situation would have been serious if the horse had bolted into the crowds.

The man, thought to have been on a Leeds supporters' bus, was in his mid to late 20s, of stocky build and with short fair hair. He is believed to have had a tattoo on his right hand.

Trouble flared at half-time when Leeds fans went on the rampage in the Riverside ground's away concourse. Thirteen Leeds fans and two Middlesbrough fans appeared in court on disorder offences.

Anyone with information should call (01642) 303126.