Watch: Footballers' get well message to 17 fans injured in A1 bus crash near Doncaster

Fans of Vanarama National League North side South Shields were returning from a game at Tamworth on Saturday when their minibus overturned on the motorway near to Darrington.

A major incident was declared with the air ambulance, paramedics, police and fire crews at the scene with the injured being ferried to hospitals across the region.

Seventeen people were injured – seven of them seriously – and police are trying to track down a white vehicle involved in the smash on the northbound carriageway at around 7pm and which also involved a black Skoda Fabia.

Now players have sent a touching message to fans as they recover.

Sharing the clip on Facebook, a South Shields FC spokesman said: “Everyone at South Shields Football Club would like to express their support to those affected by the events of Saturday evening.

“Here is a personal message from the team to show our support and to express our thoughts to our supporters.”

The clip sees the team telling the fans: “Hi everyone, we just wanted to send you a message to wish you all the best in your recovery.

"We were devasated to hear the news on Saturday and hopefully you’re back to take in a game soon.”

“All the best.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Shortly after 7pm, a number of calls were received reporting a minibus had overturned on the northbound carriageway near junction 40 with passengers inside.

"The collision involved a black Skoda Fabia and an Iris single decker minibus.

"Initial enquiries suggest there is a third vehicle involved, a white car, which has not yet been identified.

"Enquiries into the circumstances regarding the collision remain ongoing.”

"Anyone with information including dash cam footage relating to the collision or the unidentified white car, who has not yet spoken to the police, is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit via the livechat function on the website or by calling 101 quoting reference 13240197597.”