Seven dead after police vehicle and car crash during pursuit
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Seven people have died including two police officers in a crash involving a police vehicle and a car following a pursuit.
The collision occurred between a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, at approximately 03:39 BST, Cleveland Police stated.
North East Ambulance Service reported that "a number of patients died at the scene" and deployed 14 ambulance resources.
A police spokesman confirmed the fatalities and added that they were working to identify the victims and contact their families. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initiated an investigation, stating that the crash happened during a pursuit of a "suspicious vehicle".
The A66, a major artery through Teesside, was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, and expected to remain shut for the rest of the day. The scene was surrounded by industrial units and factories.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, as significant emergency service vehicles remained at the scene. The force appealed for the public to avoid speculation.
Anna Turley, MP for Redcar, expressed her deep sadness and offered her condolences to the affected families.
