A NUMBER of weapons have been seized after a teenager suffered serious head injuries during a mass disturbance in Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police received a number of reports of large scale disorder amongst youths in the area around Linby Avenue in Middlesbrough at around 7.05pm on Tuesday.

Officers attended and dispersed the youths from the area and recovered a number of weapons.

As officers dispersed the group of 50-60 youths, the rear window of a parked police vehicle was smashed with a weapon.

At 7.40pm, an officer was flagged down by a group of youths on Bridnor Road. A 14-year-old male was suffering from a serious head injury after being struck to the head.

He was taken to James Cook University Hospital, where he is now receiving treatment for two fractures to his skull, a cut to his lip and a suspected fractured wrist. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening at this time.

Officers have arrested a 16-year-old male from the local area on suspicion of assault. He remains in police custody.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Gary Walters, from Middlesbrough CID, said: “This type of behaviour will not be tolerated. It is not antisocial, it is criminality and it is being taken very seriously. One teenager has been left with potentially serious injuries and has been hospitalised. Thankfully, his injuries are not believed to be life threatening as it stands.

“A police vehicle has also been taken off the road due to mindless vandalism, leaving officers with one less vehicle to respond to emergencies.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved in last night’s incident, and rest assured that those youths identified will at the very least receive a visit from police and their parents will also be informed.

“Police would again ask parents to check on what their children are up to when they are out on an evening and would urge anyone with information to come forward.”

The Northern Echo:

Graphic: Google / Cleveland Police

A dispersal order has been put in place covering the areas of Ormesby Beck, Linby Avenue, Bridnor Road, Overdale Road, Crossfell Road to the edge of Garrowby Road, to the border of James Cook University Hospital to the ‘blue’ bridge. Officers can use this legislation to disperse large groups from a specific area for a period of 48 hours. Those who breach the order can be arrested.

House to house enquiries are taking place in the area today and officers are asking those in the local vicinity who may have private CCTV footage around the time of the incident to call Cleveland Police.

Officers are also appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information. It is believed there is video footage circulating on social media of the incident, and officers would also appeal for anyone with footage to get in touch with them.

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.
  • Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org