Graphic videos depicting dangerous police pursuits and reckless driving remain accessible on social media platforms nearly a week after a fatal wrong-way crash near Middlesbrough that resulted in seven deaths. An investigation found multiple clips on Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube showcasing high-speed joyrides and police chases despite government appeals to remove such content.

Among the materials identified was a 25-second video showing a 17-year-old driver traveling at 165 mph, as indicated by the vehicle’s speedometer display. The clip was posted shortly after the crash on the A66 and was subsequently taken down by TikTok two days later. However, by that time the video had been viewed by thousands of users. Another video on the same account features the teenager driving during an ongoing police chase. Further content includes a Snapchat clip of motorbike riders provoking police vehicles into pursuits, Instagram pages dedicated to sharing footage of rapid police chases, and YouTube videos capturing crashes linked to dangerous joyriding.

Defence Minister Luke Pollard has publicly urged social media companies to remove posts that “celebrate dangerous behaviour on our roads,” emphasizing the risk such content poses to public safety. He warned that these videos could potentially encourage similar reckless conduct.

While this type of content is not explicitly unlawful under the Online Safety Act, platforms have the authority to remove material they determine violates their community guidelines. Representatives from the involved platforms have been approached for comment on their content moderation policies and response to government requests but have yet to issue statements.

The persistence of these videos on social media highlights ongoing challenges in regulating harmful online content linked to illegal and hazardous activities on public roads. Authorities continue to monitor the situation as they work to balance free expression with the need to protect public safety.