The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the country
Police officers at the scene of a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Seven people – including two police officers – have tragically died following a crash on the A66 in Middlesborough. Cleveland Police said the crash happened at 3.39am this morning (Saturday 22 August).
The two serving Cleveland Police officers were in a marked police vehicle and five members of the public who were travelling in a Volkswagen Passat. The Passat was travelling the wrong way along the A66 and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling on the same road in the right direction.
Sadly, all occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. The families of those identified have been informed and are being offered specialist support.
Read the full coverage by our sister site Teesside Live here.
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in today’s incident. No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland.
“This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family. We are providing specialist support to all families involved at this extremely difficult time.
“The investigation has been referred to the IOPC, which is the standard approach when a death occurs following police contact. We will cooperate fully with their investigation. While this investigation takes place, we strongly urge people to avoid speculation.”
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed in a statement that it is investigating the circumstances of the crash. The IOPC said that, at this early stage, it is understood Cleveland Police saw a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began. The car travelled onto the A66 in South Bank and collided with a police car at 3.39am.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson added that work was still ongoing to formally identify all occupants of the Volkswagen Passat.