Cars set on fire at vigil for young man killed in A66 crash

A local MP has condemned the actions

The incident which happened last week saw the death of seven people, including two police officers, after a car was driven the wrong way down a dual carriageway near Middlesbrough.

An inquest has been opened into the incident following a string of incidents in the town which police have not ruled out being connected.

On Wednesday, a woman and her seven year old niece died in a house fire in Grangetown, under a mile away from where the A66 incident happened.

Local superintendent Emily Harrison said: "We continue to work to establish the circumstances of exactly what has happened, but we are keeping an open mind and cannot rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time."

Now, reportedly at a vigil for one of the men killed in the crash, 23-year-old Michael Cahill, cars were set on fire as serious disorder broke out.

Videos from overnight on social media showed multiple vehicles burning at the event where blue balloons and flares were also released.

The person captioned the videos "Rest in Peace Mickey".

Cars could also be seen skidding around the area with a number of people on motorbikes and quad bikes while more footage appeared to show burnt-out cars being moved by a tractor.

The scenes caused Redcar MP Anna Turley to speak out on the event.

The five occupants who died in the car driving the wrong way down the A66. Credit: Social media.

She said: "People have a right to grieve and to pay their respects - but people also have a right to feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhoods.

She added: "Seeing illegal bikes and quad bikes rampaging, and fires and fireworks being set off only heightens people's sense of fear and lawlessness.

"While I understand people are grieving and upset, we cannot allow illegal activity to be excused and unchecked."