Cars torched at A66 crash memorial as gang violence grips Teesside

Cars were set alight at a memorial gathering in Teesside as gang-related violence escalates across the region, claiming nine lives in five days.

Vehicles set on fire at A66 victim's memorial amid Teesside gang violence

Footage widely circulated online shows several cars burning in a field while balloons were released at a memorial gathering, the Daily Express reports — an event believed to have been held in honour of Michael Robert Cahill, 23, who died in a fatal collision on the A66 at the weekend.

Cleveland Police is responding to numerous incidents across Teesside following what is understood to be a gangland turf war that has claimed nine lives in five days. Seven people, including two police officers, died in the A66 crash. More than 200 additional officers — including armed response units — have been drafted in from neighbouring forces to support the local force.

Two men have since been arrested on suspicion of murder after a house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, broke out just before 5.30am on Thursday, 27 August. The blaze on Birchington Avenue killed Natalie McDonald, 34, and seven-year-old Valentina Foster. A 48-year-old woman was left in a critical condition in hospital; three further people sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Cleveland Police is working to establish whether the A66 crash and the Grangetown fire are connected.

Ms McDonald's 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, confirmed he had been briefed by a Cleveland Police superintendent alongside MP for Redcar Anna Turley and local ward councillors. Posting on social media, Brown said officers were working 20-hour days and that he intended to write to the Prime Minister requesting additional resources.

"Over 200 extra police officers from forces around the country are here and are en route, from detectives to armed response," Brown wrote. "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."

Brown added that the community was "heartbroken" over the deaths in Grangetown. "People need to feel safe in their homes," he said.

Source: Daily Express