The family of a boy who drowned in a river tragedy had their windows put through, just hours after his funeral. Robert Hattersley died on July 17 while swimming in the Tyne in Northumberland with friends.
The 13-year-old was pulled in by strong currents and emergency services spent around six hours searching for him. Police later told his mam Stella, 47, and dad Carl, 48, that Robert had died.
The tragedy devastated his family and the local community of Crawcrook in Gateshead. Relatives including Robert's sisters Emma, 24, Charlotte, 20, Chantelle, 19, and Victoria, 16, attended his funeral on Monday at Church of The Holy Spirit in the village.
But as reported by ChronicleLive, during the early hours of the following morning, his parents woke to find three of their windows had been smashed. Their living room window, a bedroom window and a window in their door were all damaged and a brick was found inside their home.
Chantelle's girlfriend Karly Maltaz was in the bedroom when the window was smashed and the 18-year-old was hit by shattered glass, suffering an injury to her leg. Robert's family reported the incident to the police and officers attended at 3am.
Emma, who lives in Grange Villa, County Durham, said they do not know why somebody would target their home. "On the day of Robert's funeral we were celebrating his life like he would want us to," she said.
"My mam and dad were emotional. The service for Robbie was upsetting but lovely. They were happy with everything they had done for Robbie, everything turned out amazing for him. We all had a few drinks then headed home.
"Some time after midnight my mam and dad's house got smashed by four people. One person was driving and the other three put their windows and their door through. They also smashed a car up next to my mam's house.
"Karly got injured in the incident. The brick didn't hit her but the glass did. Why would they do that to my mam's house after she's buried her son?"
The mum-of-four, who lives with her partner William Patterson, 23, said: "My dad thought it was fireworks until the girls told him that the window had been put through. They are scared in case it happens again.
"My dad went to get some CCTV so they would feel a little bit safer. We are all hoping they find the people that have done it and send them to jail."
Emma has also issued a message to those who may be considering causing damage. She said: "Please think before doing anything as disgusting as this. It can lead to people getting injured and you'll be in serious trouble."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said they received a report of a brick being thrown through a window in Crawcrook shortly after 1am on Tuesday.
They said: "It was reported that a female received several lacerations from the impact of the glass shattering and that a car parked near-by had also been damaged. The occupants are being supported by officers and CCTV from the area is being reviewed. Enquiries are on-going into the incident."
Emma has urged anyone with information to contact the force.
