A stolen tractor was driven 'full throttle' into the front of a Middlesbrough home, causing significant damage before the masked perpetrators fled in a getaway car. The incident occurred on Priory Road in the Whinney Banks area of the town.
The red tractor and baler ploughed into the property in the early hours of Saturday, May 9. Cleveland Police have cordoned off the road and evacuated several nearby residents as a precaution.
Neighbours reported hearing the rumble of the tractor and seeing its yellow flashing lights just before it was driven at full speed into the brickwork. One local resident described seeing the gang, wearing balaclavas and hoodies, climb into a getaway car and leave the scene shortly after the crash.
Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner, from Middlesbrough CID, said: 'Shortly after 1am on Saturday, May 9, police received reports of a tractor being driven into a house on Priory Road in Middlesbrough. Those inside the tractor immediately fled from the area. The property is unoccupied, so no one suffered any injury. However, neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution and will return once it has been deemed safe.'
He added: 'We are currently treating this as deliberate, and a scene is in place while the investigation is ongoing. I would ask members of the public to avoid the area where possible. Additional patrols will be carried out in the area over the weekend to provide reassurance to the community.'
Police are appealing for information. The tractor was stolen from Yarm before being driven to Middlesbrough. Anyone with dash cam or doorbell footage, or any information, is asked to contact Cleveland Police quoting reference number 087639. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
