Police release new footage in hunt for yobs who hurled brick at Aston Villa bus
Police release new footage in hunt for yobs who hurled brick at Aston Villa bus
Lancashire Police
Police have released new footage as they ramp up efforts to find a group of yobs who hurled bricks at Aston Villa’s team bus on Sunday.
Aston Villa secured their second league victory of the season last weekend after visiting Burnley at Turf Moor.
However, the seven-time league winners were attacked aboard the team bus on Junction 10 of the M65.
Lancashire Police released CCTV footage following the incident.
Police release new footage in hunt for yobs who hurled brick at Aston Villa bus
PA
The force said: “This incident could have been so much worse and it is nothing but good luck that nobody was injured.
“The coach driver could have been injured by the broken glass, causing him to swerve into another vehicle, or another vehicle could have been hit by the brick.
“There could have been serious injuries or even fatalities.
“For this reason we are taking this incident extremely seriously.
Aston Villa's Moussa Diaby scores their side's third goal of the game during the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley.
PA
“We have now released CCTV footage from the coach and are asking anybody who recognises the two men on the left to get in touch.
“We appreciate the footage of them is quite grainy, but one is wearing distinctive clothing and this may help somebody recognise them.
“The area was busy when the incident occurred, with bank holiday traffic and people leaving the area following the football match between Burnley and Aston Villa, and we believe there will be people out there who have not yet spoken to us, who either saw who was responsible or has dashcam showing the men more clearly. Whatever information you have please get in touch.”
The brick caused considerable damage after hitting the coach’s windscreen.
A man was initially arrested in connection with the incident but was later released without further action after officers determined he was not involved.
The Clarets, who were promoted back to the Premier League under ex-Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany last season, also released a statement following the incident.
Burnley said: "Burnley Football Club is 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 was responsible."
Fans arrive for the Premier League match at Turf Moor, Burnley
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Burnley were yet to get off the mark ahead of last weekend’s fixtures following a 3-0 defeat against Kompany’s former club.
Unai Emery’s side, who finished seventh place last season, confounded further misery on the newly promoted side with Polish international Matty Cash bagging a brace and new signing Moussa Diaby adding a third.
Lyle Foster, 22, narrowed the deficit shortly after the half-time whistle but the Clarets fell short of picking up their first points of the season.
Both clubs return to Premier League action this weekend, with Burnley hosting Ange Postecoglou’s free-flowing Tottenham Hotspur.
Aston Villa will take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.