Tributes to teen, 19, killed in police chase crash

He died after crashing his car into a garden wall,

Tributes have poured in for a teenager who died following a police chase in County Durham.

Kelvin Bainbridge, 19, was killed after crashing his Nissan Primera into a garden wall on Central Drive, Spennymoor, on Friday afternoon.

It is unclear whether or not the teen, who is believed to be the father of a baby, died at the scene.

Today, railings close to the Middlestone Moor scene were adorned with dozens of floral tributes.

One message read: ‘Never ever forget you my brother, always my brother, love you so much my homie.’

Another said: ‘Rest in paradise bro. You will be engraved in my heart I will miss you so so much and I will never forget you ever.’

The street is around the corner from two schools, Whitworth Park Academy and The Oaks secondary school, with the atmosphere in the local area described as ‘hostile and tense’.

Residents are said to be struggling to come to terms with Mr Bainbridge’s death.

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An investigation into the death has now been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

IOPC Interim Regional Director David Ford said: ‘We understand that shortly after 2.30pm a Durham Constabulary marked police car followed a Nissan Primera.

‘After the pursuit the vehicle crashed on Central Drive, Middlestone Moor.

‘The 19-year-old man driving the Nissan was fatally injured during the incident. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends and anyone affected by this sad incident.

‘We are attending the scene and the post incident procedures to begin gathering evidence.

‘Anyone who witnessed events leading up to the collision is asked to contact the IOPC on 0800 096 9076 or email witness@policeconduct.gov.uk.’