Two teenage boys have been left with devastating injuries following a horrific tractor rollover on a farm in County Durham. In a shocking twist, the police response was severely hampered when officers discovered all four tyres on their patrol car had been deliberately slashed while they were aiding the victims.
A Horrific Farm Incident Leaves Two Youths Fighting for Life
Durham Constabulary were called to a farm off the B6310 near Burnopfield at 8.25pm on Thursday, 21 December, after reports a tractor had overturned. Emergency services, including three double-crewed ambulances and a Hazardous Area Response Team, rushed to the private road location.
A 14-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported at high priority to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. A second victim, a 13-year-old boy, suffered serious injuries and was also taken to the same major trauma centre. Both teenagers remained in hospital the following afternoon, receiving critical care.
Road Policing Inspector Mick Todd described it as a "horrific incident" which has left the boys with very serious injuries. "Our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time," he stated, confirming an investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the accident.
Police Response Sabotaged by 'Shocking and Unacceptable' Vandalism
As officers performed lifesaving first aid on the teenagers and began their initial enquiries, their vehicle was targeted. Upon returning to their parked patrol car, they found all four tyres had been slashed, completely disabling the vehicle.
"Whilst officers were inside an address conducting vital enquiries into the collision, all four tyres of their vehicle parked outside were slashed," Inspector Todd explained. The damage meant the officers and their car were taken out of service for the remainder of their shift.
This act of criminal damage stretched police resources at one of the busiest times of the year and caused a delay in the collision investigation while waiting for vehicle recovery. Inspector Todd condemned the vandalism, stating: "The damage is shocking and unacceptable."
Appeal for Witnesses Following Double Investigation
Police are now running two parallel investigations: one into the tractor rollover itself and another into the criminal damage inflicted on the police car. Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the accident or was in the Burnopfield area around the time to come forward.
They are particularly keen to hear from anyone with information about who may have sabotaged the police vehicle. Information can be provided directly to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by emailing sciu@durham.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 401 of 21 December.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The community's help is seen as vital in piecing together the events of a traumatic evening that left two young lives in the balance and emergency services facing deliberate obstruction.
