Police attacked and vehicle set on fire at teen's vigil

Fireworks were thrown at police officers and a vehicle was set on fire in disorder linked to a vigil for a teenager who died in a crash, police have said.

Northumbria police said the "unacceptable behaviour" happened at a planned balloon release in memory of a 16-year-old boy in the Beaconhill Grange area of Cramlington, Northumberland, at about 16:00 on Monday.

The force did not name the boy but said his death was not connected to seven people killed in a crash on the A66 in Middlesbrough last month, with disorder also reported at vigils linked to their deaths.

It is understood the teenager died on 24 August on the A196 near Stobhill in Morpeth when a car and a motorbike crashed at a junction.

Northumbria Police's Supt Michelle Robson said people coming together for memorials should "do so safely, respectfully and within the law".

She said: "Where such events are used as an opportunity to carry out offences, we are committed to taking action against those responsible.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation to identify those involved in the unacceptable behaviour."

Northumbria police said no one was injured in the disorder but antisocial behaviour had spiked before and after the planned vigil.

The force seized four electric motorbikes and officers issued warnings around vehicles being used to cause antisocial behaviour.

It is calling for anyone with CCTV or footage of the disorder to contact them.

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