Police in hunt for fan with flare

Police said they need the public's help in identifying the man

Police investigating an incident when a flare was thrown onto a pitch during an FA Cup tie have released a photograph of a football fan they want to trace.

It happened during Manchester United's game against Southampton on 12 March this year.

Police said the man was in the crowd at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium and can clearly be seen holding a flare.

Shortly afterwards, a flare was thrown onto the pitch, narrowly missing Southampton goalkeeper Paul Smith.

'Horrific injuries'

Play was stopped for two minutes while it burned out and was then removed from the pitch.

Ch Supt Andy Holt, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Officers have been working closely with their counterparts in Southampton and both football clubs to trace the man who threw the flare.

"We now need the public's help to identify the man in the picture.

"This type of activity is extremely dangerous and we will not tolerate flares being taken to matches in the UK.

"You cannot underestimate how dangerous this could be. There have been incidents in Europe of flares being thrown at matches, and fans and emergency services staff suffering horrific injuries.

"I would also remind people who are thinking of taking flares to matches that this is an issue which the police take very seriously. We will not tolerate individuals putting fellow football supporters at risk."