Aston Villa‘s team bus was attacked after a Premier League match against Burnley FC on Sunday, August 27, which ended 3-1.
The bus windscreen was hit by a brick thrown from a footbridge as the bus travelled along the motorway at junction 10 of the M65, just two miles from Burnley’s stadium.
Lancashire Police’s Superintendent Melita Worswick emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “It is nothing but good fortune that the brick didn’t cause more damage, or result in somebody being seriously injured or even killed.” The incident transpired amidst a stream of post-match traffic leaving the area after the Burnley versus Aston Villa football match.
The statement read;
“We are asking for dashcam footage or any other information after a brick was thrown from a footbridge at the Aston Villa team bus as it travelled along the motorway. The footbridge is located by the slip road at junction 10 of the M65.
“It caused some damage to the bus as it struck the windscreen, but thankfully nobody was injured. However this could have been a lot worse and clearly we will not stand for people putting motorists in danger in this way.
“We would now like to hear from anybody who was travelling along that stretch of motorway and who either saw the incident or saw those responsible. We would especially like to hear from anybody who has dashcam which could help with our enquiries.”
Reacting to Aston Villa’s team bus being attacked, Burnley said in a statement;
“Burnley Football Club is saddened and dismayed to learn about an attack on the Aston Villa team bus 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.”
This is the second time Burnley have had to address an incident in relation to a home match this season after Rico Lewis was struck by a lighter thrown from the crowd in the club’s Premier League opener against Manchester City.
A fan was also restrained during that game when trying to enter the field of play.
