More than 200 specialist police officers have been deployed across Middlesbrough amid fears of further violence following a series of incidents linked to suspected organised crime. The major operation comes after a deadly A66 crash, a fatal house fire and further alleged ramming and stabbing incidents in the space of several days.
Residents warn of rising tensions
Residents have warned that the increased police presence could trigger further tensions, with one local telling the Sun: "It's totally lawless. The police have ignored the problems in the area for years and now they want to come in heavy-handed. It won't go down well."
The additional officers include firearms officers and detectives with experience in tackling gang-related violence.
Deadly A66 crash and Grangetown fire
The deployment follows the deaths of seven people in the A66 crash, including two police officers. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when an armed-response vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction on the A66. Five people travelling in the Passat also died.
Police have since arrested a number of people over offences believed to be linked to organised criminal activity. The crash is understood to have followed an earlier incident in which a home linked to the family of one of the young men was reportedly rammed.
A house fire in Grangetown killed seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her aunt Natalie McDonald, 34. Two men, aged 23 and 31, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. The day after the fatal fire, another house was reportedly rammed by a vehicle.
Memorial gathering sparks anger
An armed police operation was also launched after a man suffered serious knife injuries. Police have been working to establish whether the incidents are connected to a wider dispute between criminal groups.
Tensions were also heightened by a memorial gathering for Michael Cahill, 23, one of those killed in the A66 crash. Five cars were set alight during the gathering, with young people also reported to have used flares and off-road vehicles. The scenes have sparked anger among some residents, particularly given that two police officers died in the crash.
Former Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston said people were entitled to grieve but criticised the behaviour at the memorial. He said the events were disrespectful to the families of the two officers who died while working.
Mixed reactions from locals
Residents have also described the wider impact of crime and antisocial behaviour in parts of Middlesbrough. John McQuade, 76, said: "People are sick of the crime, the lawless way these kids carry on, the drugs, the motorbikes flying about carrying kids in balaclavas, it's crazy." He added: "And there are idiots out treating the five kids in that car as heroes? They deserve no recognition. Those two police officers were out at work and they didn't get home to their families."
However, other residents have urged caution in judging the young men involved. Megan Clarke, 26, who knew Cahill and his family, said she felt for the relatives of those killed and believed some of the young people involved had been shaped by their environment. She said: "Of course you see kids racing around on bikes ballied up in areas like this, unfortunately it's what Middlesbrough is now known for." Ms Clarke also pointed to a lack of opportunities for young people, saying: "There's nothing here for them, no youth centres, sports clubs, no jobs." She added: "So is it any surprise they act out and get involved in crime?"
Another local, Kyle Stephenson, 24, said he did not agree with the actions of those involved but urged people to remember that some of those killed were teenagers. "I don't agree with anything they did, but people need to remember that a couple of those lads were only 17-years-old," he said. "Most cases you get time to grow up and realise the mistakes you've made."
The latest police operation comes as Cleveland Police continues its investigations into the series of incidents. Officers are now working across Middlesbrough with additional specialist resources as authorities attempt to prevent further violence and identify those responsible for the crimes.
