Seven more men have been arrested following recent disorder in Middlesbrough, bringing the total number of arrests after the wrong-way A66 crash that killed two police officers to 24.
Cleveland Police said on Friday that four men – aged 35, 25, 40 and 21 – are in police custody to be questioned on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life, arson and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs. They were stopped by officers on Thursday night and had a quantity of Class A drugs seized from their vehicle. The arson charge relates to a caravan that was set on fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Further arrests and cash seized
Three other men – aged 23, 42 and 30 – were also arrested for different reasons. The 23-year-old on suspicion of threats to kill, the 42-year-old on suspicion of threats to kill and possession of criminal property, and the 30-year-old on suspicion of possession of criminal property. Officers also seized £15,000 in cash.
Hundreds of extra officers have been drafted in to support after the series of recent incidents in the area, which began with the crash that killed PC Matthew Blades, 37, PC Tom Clough, 38, and five young men last weekend.
Vigil condemned
Elsewhere, police condemned the behaviour of a crowd who set fire to a number of cars as part of a tribute to one of those who died in the A66 crash as “completely unacceptable”. Durham Constabulary said they were called to the private field in the Haswell area of the county shortly after 5.30pm on Thursday, where five vehicles were wrecked as a large crowd gathered to release balloons, flares and fireworks.
The incident in Haswell is understood to have been a vigil to remember A66 crash victim Michael Cahill, 23.
Police commitment
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said: "This latest disruptive activity now brings the total number of arrests to 24 since the investigation commenced.
"Three of those arrested throughout the course of this week have been charged with serious offences and two men have been recalled to prison.
"This robust approach demonstrates our commitment and determination to pursue those who we believe are intent on causing serious violence and harm to our communities.
"Be assured, our relentless pursuit of suspected organised criminals will not waver. I want to encourage anyone who believes serious violence and organised crime is taking place in their neighbourhood to report it so we can keep on taking action."
Anyone with information has been urged to call 101 or visit Cleveland Police's website, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
