Police horse 'fine' after football fan punch attempt

A police horse seen being punched by a football fan is "safe and well" this morning, its police force said.

The incident occurred as violence erupted after Newcastle lost a derby match with fierce local rivals Sunderland.

Pictures and video emerged yesterday of a man trying to punch the horse before he was hauled to the ground by officers.

Today the West Yorkshire Police Horses Twitter account tweeted a picture of the horse in question, called Bud, saying he is safe and well and appears fine.

Before the horse was attacked, what appears to be the same man was seen goading the mounted police officers:

A total of 29 football fans have now been arrested after the violence.

Amid sporadic trouble across the city centre, missiles were thrown at officers as the fans tried to confront Sunderland supporters at Central Station, Newcastle.

Yesterday Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, of Northumbria Police, said: "The vast majority of fans were well behaved today and enjoyed the Tyne-Wear derby for the great occasion that it is.

"Disappointingly, there was some disorder involving what appear to be Newcastle United supporters following the match in the city centre, including an incident at Central Station.

"Disruptive behaviour of any kind is not tolerated. Inquiries will take place into these incidents and action will be taken against all those involved."