Grieving police officers 'working through pain' to investigate Teesside crash and fire
The Cleveland Police Federation chair says it has been "more intense than ever" for officers.
A police operation is ongoing in Teesside following a wrong-way car crash near Middlesbrough that killed seven people, including two police officers. The crash happened on the A66 at South Bank when a Volkswagen Passat traveling the wrong way collided with the officers' vehicle. Two teenage girls who were injured in the crash have since been released from hospital.
The victims include PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. Seven additional arrests have been made in connection with the investigation, bringing the total to 24. The crash and a house fire in Grangetown, which killed a woman and a seven-year-old girl, are currently under investigation. Durham Police have stated they are not linking the two incidents at this time, but Durham MP Anna Turley called the post-crash disorder a serious issue that put lives at risk.
Durham Police have deployed extra officers to support the investigation, while Redcar MP Turley urged local authorities to ensure community safety.
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