Police have condemned “completely unacceptable” behaviour after five vehicles were torched during a gathering for one of the seven who died in the fatal A66 wrong-way crash.
Durham Police has revealed new details of the disorder at a privately-owned field in Haswell on Thursday evening (August 28).
Police and emergency services were called shortly after 5.30pm after a large crowd gathered at the site.
The majority of those attending had travelled from outside County Durham and brought a number of vehicles with them.
During the gathering, which lasted around an hour, five vehicles were set on fire.
Members of the crowd also released balloons, flares and fireworks.
Assistant Chief Constable Jon McAdam said: "We utterly condemn anyone who would use that tragedy as an excuse for disorder and expect the overwhelming majority of the public would join us in doing so."
Police said the field was contained and there was no immediate risk to wider public safety. As a result, the vehicle fires were allowed to burn out.
No-one was injured and no arrests were made.
Jon McAdam, of Durham Constabulary, added: “The behaviour we saw at last night’s gathering was completely unacceptable.
“Our officers and the communities of County Durham and Darlington were understandably horrified by the tragedy which unfolded on the A66 last week which resulted in multiple deaths, including two serving police officers."
Videos shared on social media appeared to show several cars on fire at the vigil.
Footage showed a large crowd gathered on grassland, with cars appearing to skid around the area before several were seen on fire.
Further videos later appeared to show burnt-out cars being removed from the field, around 20 miles north of the crash site, by a tractor.
By Friday, August 28, remnants of fireworks, smoke canisters and balloons were scattered across the field, with scorch marks visible on the ground.
The cars had been removed, but part of a front bumper remained at the scene.
A police operation will continue in the Haswell area over the coming days, including an investigation and visible uniformed patrols.
The gathering was held in memory of 23-year-old Michael Cahill, who was one of seven people killed in the A66 crash last Saturday.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, also died in the collision, alongside Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-old Jakub Matusiak.
Andy McDonald, Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, made the comments as around 200 extra police officers were deployed to support Cleveland Police.
His remarks came after a series of incidents across the Middlesbrough area, including reports of a stabbing, properties being rammed and cars being set alight.
Mr McDonald told Times Radio: “People are saying that they are going to their shops and not feeling safe to do so and feeling trapped in their own homes.
“That is just unacceptable.
“This is terrorism and we’ve got to have an appropriate response to deal with the people who are causing such mayhem in our communities and to allow people to lead their peaceful lives.
“That isn’t happening. We need the resources.”
Hundreds of extra officers have also been deployed across Teesside amid concerns over further unrest.
It follows a deadly house fire in Grangetown on Wednesday, August 26 that killed 34-year-old Natalie McDonald and seven-year-old Valentina Foster and injured four others.
Two men have also been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the Grangetown fire.
Police have also not ruled out a link between the A66 crash and the house fire.
Police are now appealing for information about the disorder, anyone who can help is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident 377 of August 27.
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A spokesperson for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 5.37pm yesterday (Thursday), we received a report of a vehicle fire in the Haswell area.
“One crew from Peterlee was initially mobilised to the incident. Upon arrival, the crew encountered a large gathering of people at the scene.
“Following a dynamic risk assessment, it was established that there was no immediate threat to public safety and no significant risk of the fire spreading. Given the circumstances and concerns for the safety of our firefighters, the decision was taken to withdraw from the area.
“As expected, the fire has since burnt out naturally, with no injuries reported.
“We continue to liaise closely with our policing partners to support ongoing activity in the area and ensure emergency services can operate safely and effectively.”
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