Two men have been arrested after a tractor was allegedly driven “full throttle” into a house in Whinney Banks, forcing terrified residents to flee their homes.
The shocking incident happened shortly after 1am on Saturday when a tractor and baler crashed into a residential property in the Middlesbrough neighbourhood.
Police confirmed that two suspects, aged 27 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to destroy or damage property and theft of a motor vehicle.
Both men remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Several residents who were evacuated following the crash have since been allowed to return home, although two households remain displaced as a safety precaution.
Authorities said structural engineers will assess the damaged property to ensure it is safe, with police warning that the scene is likely to remain cordoned off for several more days due to the scale of the damage.
Residents described hearing loud noises and seeing flashing yellow lights from the tractor in the early hours before the collision.
One witness claimed the vehicle appeared to deliberately accelerate into the property.
“I saw the yellow lights and thought it was strange for a bin lorry to be out at that hour,” the resident said.
“He turned and went full throttle into the house.”
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector John Bonner said police investigations were progressing rapidly, with officers carrying out multiple enquiries linked to the incident.
He also appealed to farm and landowners in Cleveland, North Yorkshire and Durham to report suspicious activity or provide CCTV footage after videos surfaced online allegedly showing movements at several farm locations before the crash.
Police said there will continue to be an increased presence in the area to reassure the local community.
