Seven people have died following a collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough, where a car travelling in the wrong direction struck a marked Cleveland Police vehicle. The incident occurred at approximately 03:39 BST on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of all occupants in both vehicles at the scene.
The two officers involved have been identified as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. They were travelling in a marked armed response vehicle on the correct side of the road when the collision occurred. The other vehicle involved was a Volkswagen Passat carrying five individuals, who are reported to be in their late teens.
Official Response and Investigation
- Independent InvestigationThe Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an inquiry. Preliminary reports indicate that Cleveland Police had sighted a suspicious vehicle and initiated a pursuit, though it is understood this pursuit had concluded prior to the crash.
- Operational ContextThe A66 serves as a major arterial route through Teesside. The crash site, located at South Bank, remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane to facilitate the ongoing investigation.
- Emergency ResponseThe North East Ambulance Service deployed 14 resources to the scene to assist in the emergency operation.
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller expressed profound grief, describing the loss as an “unimaginable” blow to the force and the community. She stated that she and her deputy had visited the families of the deceased officers to offer support. “These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents, who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift,” Fuller said, adding that the tragedy would be felt throughout the entire policing family.
Political leaders have also offered their condolences. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated he was “devastated” by the news, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged her support to the force as they work to identify those involved. Local MP Anna Turley and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen both acknowledged the heroic nature of the officers’ service, with Houchen labelling the event a “horrible and tragic incident.”
Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville described the loss as “unfathomable,” noting that the pain felt by the police family is beyond words. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed calls for the IOPC to be given the necessary time and space to conduct a thorough investigation without speculation. Security footage from a nearby residential area appears to show a vehicle being followed by police minutes before the fatal impact, a detail now central to the ongoing official review. The report also notes that adding: “No one should leave their home and not return safely, she said it was an “incredibly sad day for Cleveland”. The report also notes that the A66 is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories. The report also notes that the crash occurred on the A66 at South Bank shortly before 04:00 BST on Saturday. The report also notes that which sent 14 “ambulance resources”, said: “We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help, the North East Ambulance Service. The report also notes that she said: “Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day. The report also notes that cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey called it an “unimaginable loss” and said “few words [could] bring comfort” to those affected.
