LONDON: The Aston Villa team bus was damaged after being attacked on the motorway following the side’s victory at Burnley on Sunday, police have confirmed, reported German news agency (dpa).
A brick was thrown at the windscreen from a footbridge on the M65 in Lancashire as the Villa team began their journey home from Turf Moor.
Nobody was hurt but the matter is being investigated by Lancashire Police and Burnley have said they are “saddened and dismayed” by the incident.
Superintendent Melita Worswick, of Lancashire police, said: “This incident occurred when a great deal of traffic was leaving the area following the football match between Burnley and Aston Villa.
“It is nothing but good fortune that the brick didn’t cause more damage, or result in somebody being seriously injured or even killed.
“We cannot say at this point whether this was a targeted attack but enquiries are ongoing and this will form part of our investigation.
“We are now determined to find the person or people responsible and are asking for anyone with information to get in touch.”
The incident is a further embarrassment for Burnley after Manchester City’s Rico Lewis was struck by an object thrown from the crowd in the season-opening match at Turf Moor earlier this month. Play was also halted briefly during that game due to a pitch invader.
A statement from the club read: “Burnley Football Club are saddened and dismayed to learn about an attack on the Aston Villa team bus at junction 10 of the M65 after today’s match.
“Having spoken with Villa, we are relieved to hear nobody was hurt in the incident. We strongly condemn this behaviour and will support Lancashire police in their efforts to find whoever is responsible.”
Burnley were beaten 3-1 by Villa in what was their second Premier League match of the campaign. They have yet to collect a point. – BERNAMA-dpa
