A horrific farm accident in County Durham has left two teenage boys with life-threatening and serious injuries after a tractor overturned.
Emergency Response to Farm Incident
Durham Constabulary were called to a scene off the B6310 in Burnopfield at 8.25pm on December 21. The emergency call reported that a tractor had flipped on a farm. Upon arrival, officers discovered two injured boys and immediately administered lifesaving first aid.
A 14-year-old boy was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with injuries described as life-threatening. A 13-year-old boy was also taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries. Both remain in hospital receiving care.
Police Investigation and Appalling Follow-Up Crime
Road Policing Inspector Mick Todd confirmed an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of the collision. The Serious Collision Investigation Unit is keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time.
In a shocking turn of events, while officers were inside a nearby address conducting vital enquiries, their parked police vehicle was vandalised. All four tyres were slashed, rendering the car unusable and taking the officers off the road for the remainder of their shift.
Inspector Todd condemned the act, stating: "The damage is shocking and unacceptable. These officers were first on the scene and carried out lifesaving first aid. For them to then be targeted in this way stretched our resources further at one of the busiest times of the year and delayed the collision investigation."
Appeal for Information
Police are treating the vandalism as a separate incident of criminal damage. They are appealing for information on both the tractor collision and the damage to the police vehicle.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by emailing sciu@durham.police.uk or calling 101 and quoting incident number 401 of December 21. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
