Police pelted with fireworks and vehicle set alight at chaotic vigil for boy, 16, who died in bike crash

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 07:09 EDT, 2 September 2026 | Updated: 08:03 EDT, 2 September 2026 A vigil for a 16-year-old boy killed in a motorbike crash has descended into chaos as police were pelted with fireworks and cars were set on fire. The teenager died at the scene in Morpeth, Northumberland, after his Yamaha motorbike collided with a Volkswagen Polo on August 24. Last night as dozens of family and friends gathered to honor the boy at a sports field, a 24-year-old man was seriously injured and rushed to hospital.The scenes were similar to those which provoked anger in Middlesbrough last week, when vigils held for five teenagers killed in a chase that killed two officers descended into chaos. Those vigils sparked claims that crime is out of control in the city as intimidatory tactics such as setting cars on fire were used to 'remember' the deceased. As mourners gathered to honour the teenaged motorbike rider in Cramlington with a balloons release on Tuesday, footage shared to social showed a pack of joyriders speeding across the field and down residential streets. Images also showed the youths, many of whom donned masked and balaclavas, letting off flares and seemingly using their bikes to damage the park's turf. The clips were shared on Instagram and Facebook, with one of the captions reading: 'Keeping it lit up there cuz' alongside the hashtags #gonebutneverforgotten and #forever16. A balloon release for a 16-year-old boy killed in a motorbike crash has descended into chaos 'We kept it lit for you today bro,' one of the clips shared on TikTok was captioned Dozens of masked youths on bikes took to the streets of Cramlington following the vigil'Rest easy me boy gone way too soon, this world's evil,' it continued. '[You're] probably on the back wheel still riding.'Northumbria Police sent a number of units to the scene, including a drone team.Officers seized four Sur-Ron electric bikes and issued warnings around vehicles being used to cause anti-social behaviour.Police said in a statement: 'A number of those who attended were on electric motorbikes, motorcycles, and quad bikes, and officers saw a spike in anti-social behaviour reports in the area both before and after a planned balloon release.'Police also received reports that one vehicle was set on fire and fireworks were thrown at officers.'There were no reports of any injuries. Superintendent Michelle Robson said: 'We understand that people will want to come together to remember those who have died, and we ask that they do so safely, respectfully and within the law. Police said four Sur-Ron electric bikes were seized following 'a spike in anti-social behaviour' Hordes of masked riders were seen tearing across a sports field in Cramlington on Monday Police received reports a vehicle was set on fire and fireworks were thrown at officers'Where such events are used as an opportunity to carry out offences, we are committed to taking action against those responsible.'We are conducting a thorough investigation to identify those involved in the unacceptable behaviour.'Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage from the disorder.