Police are responding to multiple incidents across Teesside on Thursday night, August 27, as violence and criminal activity linked to criminal gangs intensifies.
Residents in the Haswell area of County Durham were left shocked this evening after cars were set on fire at a Balloon Release for one of the occupants of the VW Passat involved in the fatal collision on the A66 in Middlesbrough. (Image: Ashley Ferguson)
Shocking footage has emerged of cars being set ablaze in a field as balloons were released at a memorial event, as gang violence erupts across County Durham.
The gathering is believed to have been held in tribute to Michael Robert Cahill, 23, who died in the A66 crash.
Officers are responding to numerous incidents across Teesside on Thursday night, August 27, as criminal activity and violence continues to escalate in the region, with links to organised criminal gangs.
The area finds itself in the grip of fear amid what is believed to be a gangland turf war that has claimed nine lives in five days, following the deaths of seven people, including two police officers, in a collision on the A66 at the weekend.
Video footage widely shared online captures several vehicles burning in a field while balloons are released at a memorial gathering, thought to be in honour of Michael Robert Cahill, 23, who died in the fatal smash.
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Officers have been seen attending a string of incidents throughout the region after 200 police officers, including armed response units, were deployed from neighbouring forces to bolster Cleveland Police.
This follows confirmation that two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after two people, including a child, lost their lives in a house fire.
The blaze in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, broke out just before 5.30am, leaving a 48 year old woman in a critical condition in hospital, with a further three people sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the blaze that claimed the lives of Natalie McDonald, 34, and seven year old Valentina Foster.
Cleveland Police is working to determine whether the A66 crash was connected to the fire in Birchington Avenue.
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Ms McDonald’s heartbroken brother Josh Kirton told reporters: “My sister was not involved with anything to do with gangs, or the (crash on the) A66. That’s what makes this so senseless.
“People think they can do whatever they like. There’s some terrible people in the world and now my sister and Valentina have gone.”
Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, posted on social media: “Thank you so much to the superintendent from Cleveland Police that has just taken their time to give updates to myself, Anna Turley (MP for Redcar), South Bank and Grangetown Ward councillors.
“They are working 20-hour days to ensure the ongoing safety of innocent residents. Over 200 extra police officers from forces around the country are here and are en route, from detectives to armed response.
“I will be sending a letter today to our Prime Minister asking for even more resource. The police really are doing an amazing job.
“If it is any reassurance at all, jobs called in to the police are actually down this week, however, the seriousness of the ones that have been called in need serious and swift action.
“Everyone is heartbroken over the loss of the aunt and little girl in Grangetown yesterday. People need to feel safe in their homes.”