Everything we know so far after A66 crash in Teesside

Here is everything we know so far.

What happened?

The crash occurred on the A66 in South Bank at 3.39am today (Saturday, August 22), and involved a marked police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat.

Cleveland Police said the Passat was travelling in the wrong direction when it collided with the police car, which was travelling in the correct direction.

All seven occupants of the vehicles – two police officers and five members of the public – were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two police officers have since been named as PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.

A66 crash (Image: NORTH NEWS LTD)

Who attended the scene?

The North East Ambulance Service, including 14 ambulances, the Great North Air Ambulance Service and Cleveland Fire Service were at the scene.

What have police said?

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller has issued the following statement.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“At 3.39 this morning, a Volkswagen Passat that was travelling the wrong way down the A66 has collided with a marked Cleveland Police Armed Response Vehicle, which was travelling on the correct side of the road.

“Tragically, two police officers, PC Matthew Blades, aged 37, and PC Tom Clough, aged 38, died at the scene, along with the five occupants of the Passatt as a result of the collision.

“Formal identification has now taken place for the occupants of the Volkswagen Passat and specialist family liaison officers are being deployed to support the bereaved families.

“As is mandatory following any death connected to a police incident, we have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and are fully cooperating with their investigation.

“While this investigation is ongoing, and out of respect for all those who have lost loved ones, I would strongly urge people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the families.”

When is the road reopening?

Police have yet to officially confirm when the road is reopening, but it is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.

What have politicians said?

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.”

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, 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.”

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen said: “A horrible and tragic incident in South Bank this morning and my thoughts are with those affected, their families and the emergency services who attended the scene.

“Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us and I know all of Teesside will want to pay tribute to the officers and other emergency service workers involved for the bravery they have shown in responding to this incident.”

A66 crash (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

What happens now?

An investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to examine what happened.

Nicola Marfleet, IOPC Director of Investigations, said: “This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance.

“Our investigation is in the very early stages, we have sent investigators to the post-incident procedures to begin reviewing evidence.

“When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory that the matter is referred to the IOPC.

“Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Cleveland Police is cooperating with our enquiries.

“We will provide a further update when we are in a position to do so.”