Police hunt flare throwing fans after Southport game is disrupted by pyrotechnics 

by
8th November 2016

Merseyside Police is appealing for information after spectators at the Southport vs Fleetwood Football Match on (Monday 7 November) disrupted the match, by throwing flares and smoke canisters onto the pitch. 
Officers will be speaking with representative from both Clubs, and an investigation into the circumstances is ongoing. This will include Officers viewing televised footage to identify those involved. 
Chief Superintendent Paul White said “The police and courts take these offences very seriously and prosecution can result in a prison sentence. 
“Flares burn at extremely high temperatures and can easily ignite combustible materials such as clothing. They can also cause severe burns if they come into contact with a person’s skin and could cause life changing injuries. 
“The smoke canisters that were thrown disrupted the match, causing play to be stopped whilst the pitch was cleared and smoke dissipated. This could have resulted in the evacuation of the ground, and the end of the match, but fortunately play was able to go on. 
“I’d ask anyone who was at the game, who has any information on those involved in the throwing of flares or anyone who has mobile phone footage of the incident to contact Merseyside Police. 
Anyone who has any information is asked to call on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.