The video will start in 8 Cancel

Want the top news headlines sent to your inbox daily? Sign up to our FREE newsletter below Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Police are hunting three men after another derby day attack on a ‘horse’ in Newcastle.

Only this time the victim, which was punched in the face, was wearing legwarmers and two pairs of roller skates.

It was a reminder of the derby day incident in 2013 when a Newcastle United fan hit the headlines after he punched a police horse in the face.

On Sunday, Herby the fibreglass horse was damaged in the unprovoked attack outside the Herb Garden restaurant close to Newcastle’s High Level Bridge.

His owners say the damage to the horse, which is the restaurant’s lucky mascot, will cost hundreds of pounds to fix.

Head chef of the Herb Garden Lucy Clinch, 31, says staff have been left heartbroken at the latest attack on their beloved mascot.

She said: “Herby is there to generate interest and attract customers because we are in a listed building and can’t have too much signage up.

“I have no idea what comes into their minds, it breaks our hearts every time it happens. Herby is our mascot and it’s not right that he gets attacked.

“He is always poking his head through the front door and people stop to get pictures with him.

“It’s just a shame.”

Lucy says Herby has been attacked in the past - and it often happens on derby day.

The two-year-old fibreglass mascot will now have to be fixed and removed from the front of the shop.

Brave Lucy chased after the men following the attack but they managed to escape.

She said: “I get so angry. Last time it happened I chased to the Quayside and got them back to pay for it. This time they all split up and got away.”

Despite the assault on Herby, Sunday’s derby was the most peaceful in nearly a decade.

Police made just ten arrests - you have to go back to 2007 to see fewer arrests.

The arrests were for offences including; possession of a firework or flare at a sports event, going into the playing area of a football match, affray and possession of a controlled drug.

In 2013, derby day fans hit the headlines after a police horse was punched in the face.

Bud, a horse working for West Yorkshire Police, was attacked as Newcastle fans turned on officers, having been unable to get to jubilant Sunderland supporters outside the ground.

Cops are now hunting the three men pictured dragging Herby to the floor.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 3.15pm on October 25 we received a report of criminal damage at the Herb Garden on Westgate Road, Newcastle.

“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information or who recognises the men is asked to contact police on 101, extension 69191 quoting reference number 690 of 25/10/15.”