Two men have been arrested after a stolen farm tractor was driven 'full throttle' through the brick wall of a family home in Middlesbrough. The red Massey Ferguson was taken from land nine miles away before being crashed front-end-first into the living room of a mid-terraced property on Priory Road.
Incident Details
Neighbours were woken by loud bangs in the early hours of Saturday, witnessing the tractor, with a baler still attached, smash into the house a second time before the occupants fled in a getaway car. The house was unoccupied during the attack.
Police confirmed that two men, aged 27 and 34, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to destroy or damage property and theft of a motor vehicle. They remain in custody for questioning.
Resident Accounts
One resident who filmed the incident said: 'I heard it and felt it. It reversed into a car and drove back in again. They were all in balaclavas and hoodies. It was the most insane thing I've ever seen.'
Farmer Ian Tate arrived to find his vehicle still wedged in the wall with the engine running. 'There was no key in the ignition,' he said. 'Someone had to know what they were doing.'
Police Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner stated: 'Our investigation is moving at pace with various enquiries leading to two arrests.' He appealed for farm and landowners to report any suspicious activity in the last seven days.
Specialist forensic teams will examine the tractor and the scene, which remains in place for several days. Most evacuated residents have returned, but two households are still displaced.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference 087639, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
