Several cars were reportedly set alight during a vigil in Haswell, County Durham, held to remember Michael Cahill, one of five young men killed in Saturday’s fatal A66 crash. Videos shared on social media appeared to show cars burning as a large crowd gathered on grassland.
The incident happened on Thursday evening, 27 August, according to the report published by ITV Tyne Tees County Durham on Friday 28 August 2026. By Friday, the cars had been removed from the field, although a section of a front bumper remained. Scorch marks, balloons, fireworks and smoke canisters were visible across the site.
Footage shared online appeared to show cars skidding around the field before later videos showed burnt-out vehicles being moved away by a tractor. The reported memorial event took place around 20 miles north of the A66 crash site.
What happened at the Haswell vigil?
Reports said the gathering was held in memory of Mr Cahill, who was 23. Balloons were released in tribute to him, while footage showed a large crowd in the field. ITV said videos appeared to show several cars on fire, but the supplied report did not state how the vehicles were ignited or identify anyone responsible.
The report also did not say whether anyone was injured at the Haswell site, whether arrests had been made in connection with the torched cars, or whether the gathering had been formally authorised. Those details remain unconfirmed in the available account.
Haswell residents and others travelling through the area may have seen the aftermath, including the removed vehicles and debris left across the field. The incident was reported as the wider region faced heightened police activity after a series of violent events in and around Middlesbrough.
Police operation after fatal A66 crash
The A66 crash happened on Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat travelled the wrong way on the road at South Bank and collided head-on with two police officers. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died, along with Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Mr Cahill and Jakub Matusiak, both aged 23.
Police said 17 people had been arrested following the crash, which came after a police pursuit. Investigators are examining alleged organised crime links. On Friday, a 21-year-old man arrested over events leading to the crash was charged with a drugs offence.
Cleveland Police said Kai Inico, arrested on Monday on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, had been charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug. Four other people arrested by the force on Monday were bailed: a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group; a 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender; and a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of threats to kill.
Earlier in the week, two people were charged and appeared in court, while 10 others were bailed. Police have not ruled out a possible connection between the crash and a fatal house fire in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.
Extra officers drafted in across the area
Hundreds of additional police officers have been deployed following the crash, the Grangetown fire and reports of further violence, including a stabbing and properties being rammed. The report said 200 extra officers were assisting Cleveland Police, with support from several forces including the National Crime Agency.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the Grangetown fire, which killed Natalie McDonald, 34, and seven-year-old Valentina Foster and injured four other people.
Labour MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East Andy McDonald said residents felt unsafe and called for an appropriate response and more resources. Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, was also reported to have written to Prime Minister Andy Burnham asking for additional resources.
The investigation into the A66 crash, the Grangetown fire and the reported events in Haswell remains ongoing. The available report does not provide a confirmed police account of the vehicles burned at the vigil.