Police have cautioned mourners to not show up on illegal off-road quad and motorbikes for the funeral of a North East teenager today.

The final send off for Leo Arnold, 16, is set to take place today (April 30) in Hartlepool and plans for the funeral set out a framework to allow off road bikes to follow the procession by road.

Family say the teen, who passed away on April 8, "had his full life ahead of him but was sadly took too soon" in a fundraiser for funeral costs.

However, police have warned that anyone who shows up on non-road legal vehicles today will be "dealt with" by officers who are monitoring the situation.

A police statement reads: "Following discussions with the family of Leo Arnold, whose funeral is due to take place tomorrow, it is understood that some mourners may be planning to attend the funeral procession on quad bikes or off-road bikes which are not road legal.

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"The message from Hartlepool Police is please do not turn up on motorbikes or quads unless they are legal to be driven on the road, and please act in a respectful manner towards Leo's family, those involved in the funeral cortege, the church of St Hilda's and the wider community.

"Police want minimal involvement in Leo’s funeral, but anyone acting in an antisocial or dangerous manner will be dealt with by officers who will be monitoring this situation.

"Please ensure that Leo’s send-off is peaceful. Our thoughts are with Leo’s family and friends."