Football fan hit by flare during football match at Barnsley

A seven-year old boy, who was in the crowd supporting Hull City at Barnsley tonight, was struck by a flare believed to have been thrown by another Hull City fan.

The boy was thankfully not seriously hurt and received treatment at the scene and was able to return to watch the rest of the match.

Chief Inspector Blake Neale said, “Behaviour of this nature will not be tolerated as families should feel safe to be able to go to watch their team’s play without the fear of this type of incident.

“Police officers work closely with the ground’s stewards and tonight one supporter had been arrested on entry to the ground when he was found in possession of a flare.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in South Yorkshire Police, Hull City and Barnsley Football Clubs to conduct a thorough investigation and whoever is found to be responsible will be dealt with robustly.”

10pm: Update: A 17 year-old boy has presented himself to Clough Road Police Station tonight and will now be questioned in connection with the incident.