Two teenage boys have suffered severe injuries, one life-threatening, following a serious incident involving an overturned tractor on a farm in County Durham.
Horrific Incident on Farmland
Emergency services were called to farmland near the B6310 in Burnopfield, County Durham, at 8.25pm on Sunday, December 21. The incident involved a tractor that had overturned.
A 14-year-old boy sustained life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle. A 13-year-old boy was also taken to the same hospital with serious injuries. Both remain under medical care.
Police Investigation and Shocking Vandalism
Durham Constabulary's Serious Collision Investigation Unit has launched a probe into the circumstances of the crash. Road Policing Inspector Mick Todd described it as a "horrific incident" and extended the force's thoughts to the boys and their families.
In a distressing secondary event, the police investigation was hampered by an act of criminal damage. While officers were inside a nearby address conducting enquiries, all four tyres of their parked patrol vehicle were slashed.
"Due to the damage, the officers and vehicle were taken off duty," Inspector Todd stated. This stretched resources during a busy period and caused a delay in the collision investigation while waiting for vehicle recovery.
Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the tractor overturning or who was in the vicinity at the time.
Inspector Todd praised the professionalism of the first officers on scene, who administered lifesaving first aid to the teenagers. He condemned the vandalism as "shocking and unacceptable."
Information regarding the collision or the criminal damage can be provided to the Serious Collision Investigation Unit by emailing sciu@durham.police.uk or by calling 101 and quoting incident number 401 of December 21. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
