Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke has rejected claims that the town is 'lawless,' stating that police are "doing a sterling job" amidst a period of heightened violence attributed to a territorial dispute between drug gangs.
The town has been in the spotlight following a week of escalating incidents, including a fatal collision on the A66 that claimed the lives of two police officers and five youths. Authorities suspect the youths in the car were pursuing rival gang members shortly before the crash, which occurred after a police pursuit was called off. This incident has been linked to a series of ram raids on properties in the area. In a separate event, a house fire resulted in the deaths of Natalie McDonald, 34, and Valentina Foster, seven, which is believed to be connected to the wider organized crime issues plaguing the town.
Mayor Cooke, a Labour representative, stated that the number of arrests made—24 in recent days—contradicts the notion of lawlessness. He asserted that crime has decreased over the past two years and that Cleveland Police are making progress, describing them as the second most improved police force in the UK. Cooke also highlighted the impact of funding cuts on policing, noting a more than 10% reduction in officers while other areas have seen increases, arguing that police funding should be allocated based on need rather than solely population size.
He emphasized a focus on long-term solutions, particularly the establishment of youth clubs in every ward and programs like 'Ten by Ten,' which aims to provide ten aspirational activities for children by the age of 10. "Those won't stop criminals today or tomorrow but it is about breaking those cycles which go on and go on," Cooke explained.
Former Mayor Andy Preston, however, has previously described the town as being brought to its knees and the "crime capital of England," citing issues such as intergenerational worklessness, drug addiction, and a pervasive climate of fear and intimidation that discourages residents from reporting crimes. He recalled instances where attempts to install CCTV were thwarted by criminal elements, requiring the use of fortified structures.
The recent violence is understood to stem from a dispute within a local organized crime group, which has reportedly split into two factions. This internal conflict is believed to be the driving force behind the escalating tensions, including targeted ramming of properties linked to individuals involved in the drug trade. One of the deceased youths, Cole Worthy, was reportedly involved in a dispute over criminal proceeds that led to the gang's division.
Authorities are investigating potential links between the fatal house fire and the wider criminal activity, noting that Natalie McDonald’s uncle, Marty Timms, is serving a prison sentence for a drive-by shooting. The fire, which also left one woman in critical condition and three others injured, occurred less than half a mile from where the shooting took place in 2024.
Mayor Cooke expressed his understanding of the town's challenges, drawing on his own upbringing in foster care within Middlesbrough. He stated his resolve to work towards a better future for the town's children and acknowledged the community's support for the police during the challenging week.
Despite the deployment of an additional 200 police officers from neighboring forces, MP Andy McDonald described the situation as "terrorism," expressing concern for residents who feel unsafe and trapped in their homes.