Appeal for information after police car tyres slashed

Two teenagers are in hospital following a collision in Burnopfield on Sunday night.

Police were called at 8.25pm last night (December 21) after a tractor overturned in a farm off the B6310.

A 14-year-old boy was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle with life threatening injuries whilst a 13-year-old was also taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

Both boys remain in hospital this afternoon.

Investigators are now keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who was in the area at the time of the incident.

Roads Policing Inspector Mick Todd said: “This was a horrific incident which has left two boys with very serious injuries. Our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time. An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances."

Officers are also investigating a criminal damage incident which occurred whilst officers were taking a statement following the collision at an address.

All four tyres of the police vehicle were damaged, taking both the car and officer off the road for the remainder of the shift.

Inspector Todd added: “Whilst officers were inside an address conducting vital enquiries into the collision, all four tyres of their vehicle parked outside were slashed.

“Due to the damage, the officers and vehicle were taken off duty, meaning resources were stretched even further at one of the busiest times of the year and there was a delay in the progression of the collision investigation whilst waiting for vehicle recovery.

“These officers were first on the scene of this collision and carried out lifesaving first aid on the teenagers before being transported to hospital. For anyone, this would have been traumatic, but the professionalism of our officers meant that they carried on and put the public first.

“The damage is shocking and unacceptable.”

Anyone with information in relation to the collision or criminal damage should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting incident number 401 of December 21.

Information can also be submitted to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.