Seven people died early Saturday morning after a police vehicle pursuing a car collided head-on with a Volkswagen Passat on a dual-carriageway near Middlesbrough in northeast England. The dead included two police officers.
Cleveland Police said the collision occurred on the A66 in South Bank, Teesside, at approximately 3:39 a.m. BST. The force said a police car had spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began, with the police car traveling the correct way down the road when the crash occurred. All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller addressed the deaths in a statement. "No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland," she said. "This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family," she added.
According to BBC News, the North East Ambulance Service deployed 14 ambulance resources as part of a large emergency response. The service said that "despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was opening an investigation into the incident. The watchdog said in a statement: "At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began."
The A66 is described as the major artery through Teesside. The crash site is surrounded by industrial units and factories. The road was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane and was expected to remain shut for the rest of the day. Police advised motorists to use alternative routes and said significant emergency service vehicles remained at the scene.
Anna Turley, the Member of Parliament for the Redcar constituency, said she was "deeply saddened" by the news. "My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected," she said. "Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident."
Cleveland Police asked the public to avoid speculation as the investigation continues. The families of those identified had been informed and were receiving specialist support.
