NEWS: Two teenage boys have been seriously injured after a tractor overturned on a farm in County Durham in a devastating incident that has left a local community in shock

Two teenage boys have been seriously injured after a tractor overturned on a farm in County Durham, in a devastating incident that has left a local community in shock.

Emergency services were called to the scene off the B6310 in Burnopfield around 8.25pm on Sunday night. A 14-year-old boy was rushed to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with life-threatening injuries, while a 13-year-old also remains in hospital with serious injuries.

Durham Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, and are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the incident or were in the area at the time.

Road Policing Inspector Mick Todd described the incident as “horrific” and praised the officers who were first on the scene for delivering lifesaving first aid under immense pressure.

Shockingly, while officers were later taking a statement at a nearby address, all four tyres on their police vehicle were deliberately slashed — taking both the car and the officers off duty and delaying the investigation.

Inspector Todd said: “The damage is shocking and unacceptable. These officers had just helped save lives and were targeted while doing their job. It’s a disgrace.”

Anyone with information about either the collision or the criminal damage is urged to contact Durham Police on 101, quoting incident number 401 of December 21, or email sciu@durham.police.uk
Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.