Fireworks thrown at police and car set ablaze at Cramlington teen's vigil

Disorder broke out at a balloon release in Cramlington, Northumberland, for a 16-year-old boy killed in a road crash. Police seized four electric motorbikes.

Disorder at Cramlington vigil: officers attacked, vehicle torched

Fireworks were hurled at police officers and a car was set on fire during disorder linked to a memorial vigil for a 16-year-old boy in Cramlington, Northumberland, Google News UK — Crime (en) reports.

Northumbria Police said the incidents took place at a planned balloon release in the Beaconhill Grange area at around 16:00 on Monday. The vigil was held in memory of a teenager understood to have died on 24 August when a car and a motorbike collided at a junction on the A196 near Stobhill in Morpeth.

The force declined to name the boy and confirmed his death was unconnected to seven people killed in a separate crash on the A66 in Middlesbrough last month, where disorder was also reported at associated vigils.

Northumbria Police Superintendent Michelle Robson said those wishing to gather for memorials should "do so safely, respectfully and within the law". She added: "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."

No injuries were reported during the disorder. Officers noted a spike in antisocial behaviour both before and after the vigil took place. Four electric motorbikes were seized by the force, and warnings were issued regarding vehicles being used to cause antisocial behaviour in the area.

Northumbria Police are now appealing for anyone with CCTV footage or recordings of the disorder to come forward and contact them.

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)