Seven dead after police car and VW going wrong way crash following pursuit

Seven people died in a collision involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat following a pursuit on the A66 near Middlesbrough. The crash occurred at 3:39am on Saturday after the Volkswagen was traveling the wrong way down the road and collided with a marked police vehicle. Two serving police officers in the police car and five members of the public in the Volkswagen were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash after a referral from Cleveland Police. The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston, and a drone exclusion zone has been established around the crash site. Police are working to identify the victims, and have informed the families of those identified and offered them support.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller of Cleveland Police urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation is ongoing. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her condolences to those affected, while MP Anna Turley called for the public to use alternative routes and avoid the area. The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, and the public is urged to show support for the emergency services and the fallen officers and their families.