A vigil for a 16-year-old boy who died in a motorcycle crash descended into disorder in Cramlington after fireworks were thrown at police and a vehicle was reportedly set alight.
Northumbria Police said the disturbance took place in the Beaconhill Grange area at about 4pm on Monday, 31 August, following a planned balloon release in memory of the teenager.
Officers reported a rise in anti-social behaviour before and after the event, attended by people on electric motorbikes, motorcycles and quad bikes. Four Sur-Ron electric bikes were seized and a specialist drone team was deployed.
Footage shared online appeared to show masked riders travelling across a sports field before riding through nearby residential streets. Other clips showed fireworks being set off during the gathering.
Police said they also received reports that a vehicle had been set on fire. No injuries were reported in connection with the disorder.
The teenager died at the scene of a collision on the A196 near Stobhill, Morpeth, on Monday, 24 August. His black Yamaha motorcycle had collided with a grey Volkswagen Polo, according to Northumbria Police.
A 24-year-old man who was also travelling on the motorcycle suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital. The driver of the Volkswagen, a woman in her 40s, stayed at the scene to assist officers.
Superintendent Michelle Robson said memorial events should be held “safely, respectfully and within the law”.
She added: “Where such events are used as an opportunity to carry out offences, we are committed to taking action against those responsible.
“We are conducting a thorough investigation to identify those involved in the unacceptable behaviour.”
The force is appealing for CCTV, dashcam and doorbell footage that could help identify those involved. Information can be provided to Northumbria Police through its public appeal portal.
