Local News

Police are warning people that someone could be killed following the dangerous actions of youths who have been throwing objects at moving vehicles on local roads.

Several reports were made of objects being thrown from the footbridge which spans the A19 from Teesside Park across to the back of Whinney Banks Estate (Mandale Interchange) on Monday evening and Wednesday evening. Similar incidents have also occurred on the A174 Parkway.

Witnesses believe the youths have been seen on the grassed area adjacent to the carriageway on the southbound side of the road and police are urging motorists to be extra vigilant.

On Monday 14th September at around 7:25pm an object was thrown from the bridge which hit a green Toyota Yaris causing a dent to the vehicle. The 69-year-old male driver had his young granddaughter in the vehicle at the time, both were thankfully uninjured.

On Wednesday 16th September at around 3:10pm a Volkswagen Golf was hit by what is believed to be a brick which hit the roof of the vehicle. A Mercedes Tanker was also targeted and the object hit and damaged the windscreen of the vehicle. Thankfully both drivers were uninjured. 

Later on that evening an object was thrown at a small goods vehicle in the same location causing damage to the bonnet hinge and the window of a yellow and black JCB tractor was smashed, the 20-year-old female driver of the tractor was left with cuts to her arms, although she did not receive any medical attention. . A white Skoda Octavia was also hit resulting in a smashed window, the 60-year-old female driver was uninjured. 

At 11pm an object was thrown at a lorry shattering the windscreen, leaving the 51-year-old male driver with cuts to his face.

Officers conducted a number of area searches in relation to these incidents but all proved negative.

It is believed that all the incidents are linked and that they were carried out by two males who are described as aged between 15 and 19 years old with dark hair. They were both wearing mainly dark clothing, possibly tracksuits, and it is thought that one of the males was wearing a light top. Police believe that they have used a motorbike to escape from the scene.  

Inspector Ed Turner, from the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “These incidents represent the behaviour of irresponsible people who have not thought through the consequences of what could happen as a result of these mindless acts. Someone could be killed or seriously injured and innocent lives are being put at risk. It is extremely dangerous and irresponsible to participate in this behaviour and it will not be tolerated. Anyone caught carrying out such acts will face the full force of the law.”

Anyone with information regarding the two males or anyone who witnessed the incidents is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency 101 number, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Zetland FM are proud to serve Redcar & Cleveland and we would love to hear the latest news from you to mention online and during our daily news bulletins. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.