TWO teens have been rushed to hospital after a “horrific” smash involving a tractor – with one suffering “life threatening” injuries.
Cops have launched an investigation after the vehicle overturned at a farm in Burnopfield, Country Durham, on Sunday night.
Emergency services were scrambled to an address off the B6310 at around 8.25pm.
A 14-year-old boy was later rushed to the nearby Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle with life threatening injuries.
Another victim, a 13-year-old, was also taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.
Durham Police confirmed both boys remained in hospital yesterday afternoon.
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Anyone with more information on the horror smash has been urged to contact the force.
Road Policing Inspector Mick Todd said: “This was a horrific incident which has left two boys with very serious injuries.
“Our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time. An investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances.”
But as officers carried out enquiries into the collision, all four tyres of a police car were slashed.
The force is now also probing the criminal damage, which forced officers off the road for the remainder of their shift.
Inspector Todd slammed the damage as “unacceptable”.
He added: “Whilst officers were inside an address conducting vital enquiries, all four tyres of their vehicle parked outside were slashed.
“Due to the damage, the officers and vehicle were taken off duty, meaning resources were stretched even further at one of the busiest times of the year.
“There was a delay in the progression of the collision investigation whilst waiting for vehicle recovery.
“These officers were first on the scene of this collision and carried out lifesaving first aid on the teenagers before being transported to hospital.
“For anyone, this would have been traumatic, but the professionalism of our officers meant that they carried on and put the public first.
“The damage is shocking and unacceptable.”
It comes just weeks after England icon Stuart Pearce’s 21-year-old son was tragically killed in a tractor crash.
Harley Pearce died at the scene in Witcombe,Gloucestershire, after reportedly losing control of the farm vehicle.
A family tribute read: “Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother, Harley.
“A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him.”
