A VIGIL for a teenager who died in a motorbike crash descended into chaos after fireworks were launched at cops and vehicles were torched.
The 16-year-old boy was killed in two-vehicle crash in the market town of Morpeth, Northumberland, on the evening of August 24.
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Northumbria Police have now launched an investigation following “disorder” linked to a vigil held for the teenager in Cramlington on Monday afternoon.
Footage circulating on social media appears to show a huge turn-out for a balloon release, including fireworks and flares.
But the tribute soon descended into chaos with a horde of masked bikers seen roaring around the park, ripping up the turf and sending clouds of dust into the air.
Another clip of a different location shows a car, adorned with graffiti, completely engulfed in flames with black smoke billowing into the sky.
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The 16-year-old had died after a collision involving his Yamaha motorcyle and a Volkswagen Polo.
He was tragically pronounced dead at the scene while a second person on the bike – a 24-year-old man – was raced to hospital with serious injuries where he is still being treated.
Police said the driver of the Volkswagen remained at the scene to assist officers as they appeal for any witnesses or footage.
But the balloon release to celebrate the teenager’s life was soon overrun by marauding youths on bikes.
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Footage also showed two people racing around the park on a quad bike before flipping the vehicle as they’re launched onto the grass.
And a convoy of motorbikes was also seen speeding down the road before the camera turns to a police van nearby.
Northumbria Police said in a statement on Tuesday that fireworks had been thrown at officers.
The force said they saw a spike in anti-social behaviour reports in the area before and after the balloon release, including a report of a vehicle set on fire.
A number of units were subsequently deployed including a specialist drone team.
Luckily, no one was reported to have been injured during the disorder.
Officers also seized four Sur-Ron electric bikes and “issued warnings around vehicles being used to cause anti-social behaviour”.
Superintendent Michelle Robson, of Northumbria Police, 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.
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“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.”