Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke has denied that the town is "lawless," asserting that police are "doing a sterling job" amidst a week of escalating violence linked to a gangland war. The town has been in the spotlight following a fatal collision on the A66, which claimed the lives of two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, along with five youths. The car carrying the youths was reportedly traveling the wrong way on the A66 when it collided head-on with the marked police vehicle. This incident is believed to be connected to a larger conflict between two factions of a local organized crime group.
Escalating Violence and Police Response
Authorities suspect a series of ram-raid burglaries across the area are linked to the fatal crash, with reports indicating the youths in the car were pursuing rival gang members shortly before the collision. In response to the growing violence, police have made numerous arrests, targeting the wider crime group. As of Friday, a total of 24 arrests had been made. Mayor Cooke cited the number of arrests as evidence against the town being "lawless," emphasizing the police's efforts to apprehend individuals.
Contradicting his predecessor, Andy Preston, Cooke claimed that crime has decreased in the last two years and that Cleveland Police have been making progress, referring to them as the "second most improved police force in the UK." He highlighted that the force has faced significant funding challenges, experiencing a more than ten percent reduction in officers while other areas have seen increases. Cooke argued that police funding should be allocated based on need and statistics, rather than solely on population size.
Addressing Root Causes and Future Initiatives
Mayor Cooke stressed the importance of addressing "long-term need" and breaking cycles of crime. He pointed to youth clubs as a key initiative, with plans to establish one in every ward. Additionally, programs like "Ten by Ten" aim to provide children with aspirational activities by the age of ten to offer alternative paths. "Those won't stop criminals today or tomorrow but it is about breaking those cycles which go on and go on," Cooke stated.
He shared personal experience, having grown up in Middlesbrough and witnessed similar issues, asserting a deep understanding of the driving factors behind them. "We just haven't managed to get them to the place they need to be yet," he said, referencing the town's estates. Cooke rejected the narrative of Middlesbrough being a "lawless" place, focusing instead on building a "better future for our children and future generations."
Broader Context of Gang Activity
The recent violence is understood to be fueled by a battle for supremacy in the drugs trade. The youths involved in the A66 crash, though not major players, were reportedly involved in drug dealing. A dispute over criminal proceeds is believed to have led to the split within the organized crime network. This internal conflict has manifested in acts of intimidation, such as ramming homes of individuals connected to rival factions. Properties linked to the families of some of the deceased youths, including Cole Worthy and Theo Rae, were targeted.
Beyond the immediate incidents, the area has grappled with deeper socioeconomic issues stemming from the decline of heavy industry in the 1980s. Former Mayor Andy Preston described how some communities were left behind, leading to generational worklessness and a normalization of criminal activity for a subset of the population. He noted that even efforts to deter crime, such as installing CCTV, were met with determined criminal tactics, underscoring the challenges faced by law enforcement and local authorities. He also acknowledged the resilience of the majority of Middlesbrough's residents, describing them as "decent, honest, law-abiding people."
A fire that killed Natalie McDonald, 34, and seven-year-old Valentina Foster on Wednesday is also believed to be linked to the wider organized crime violence, as Ms. McDonald's uncle is a known gangland enforcer. The escalating tensions and reprisals have created an environment where residents feel unsafe. Local MP Andy McDonald has described the situation as "terrorism," calling for an appropriate response to ensure residents can live peaceful lives.
Middlesbrough Mayor Cooke paid tribute to the community's support for the police during this challenging period, noting overwhelming offers of food and help at police stations. He expressed confidence in the town's ability to "bounce back," highlighting its persistent nature.