An investigation is under way into a crash which killed several people following a police pursuit in the early hours of this morning, the UK’s police watchdog said.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances leading up to a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.
Officers from Cleveland Police spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car at 3.39am, the watchdog said.
North East Ambulance Service said it had been called to a two-vehicle crash and sent 14 units to the scene including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.
“We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”
Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A66 this morning.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident.
“Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident.”
She added: “We would ask everyone to avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time.