Two arrests after stolen tractor driven into house

A tractor stolen from a farm in Yarm, North Yorkshire, was allegedly driven into a house in Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday morning, prompting a major police investigation.

Cleveland Police said officers were called to Priory Road at about 1am on 9 May following reports that a tractor had been driven into a property before those inside the vehicle fled the scene.

The house was unoccupied at the time and no injuries were reported, although neighbouring homes were evacuated as a precaution.

See also: Rural tool theft warning issued to farmers

Police said two men, aged 27 and 34, are currently in custody and are being questioned in connection with the incident.

A cordon remains in place and detectives said the investigation is “moving at pace”, with the scene expected to remain for several days.

Det Ch Insp John Bonner of Middlesbrough CID said: “We are currently treating this as deliberate, and a scene is in place while the investigation is ongoing.” 

“I’d ask members of the public to avoid the area where possible.”

@ North News and Pictures

Appeal to farmers

Police are also appealing directly to farmers and landowners in Cleveland and Durham who may have experienced suspicious activity in the week leading up to the incident.

Mr Bonner said officers were keen to trace the tractor’s movements after it was reportedly stolen in Yarm and driven to Middlesbrough.

“I appeal to anyone who has information, dash cam or doorbell footage of the tractor in the run up to it being taken and driven to Middlesbrough, and the damage it did, to please get in touch,” he said.

Cleveland Police said additional patrols would take place in the area over the weekend to reassure residents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 087639, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.