Seven Killed in A66 Crash Near Middlesbrough, Including Two Police Officers

Seven people have died following a serious collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough involving a Volkswagen Passat and a marked Cleveland Police vehicle.

The crash happened at around 3:39am after the Volkswagen, which had five occupants believed to be in their late teens, was travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway.

The car collided with an oncoming marked police vehicle. All seven people involved in the two vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two police officers among those killed

The officers have been named as:

PC Matthew Blades, 37

PC Tom Clough, 38

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described them as “brave officers protecting our communities” and said their deaths represented an incredibly difficult day for the force and the wider community.

The officers were travelling in a marked armed response vehicle on the correct side of the road when the collision occurred.

Investigation under way

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Initial information indicates that Cleveland Police had earlier sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began.

According to the information currently available, the pursuit had been called off before the fatal collision occurred.

Security footage from a property in Middlesbrough reportedly shows a vehicle being pursued by police vehicles shortly before the crash.

Because an independent investigation is now under way, it is important to allow investigators to establish the full sequence of events without speculation.

Major emergency response

The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane following the collision.

The North East Ambulance Service deployed 14 ambulance resources to the incident and expressed its condolences to everyone affected.

Emergency services remained at the scene while investigations and recovery work continued.

Families receiving specialist support

The families of those who have been identified have been informed and are receiving specialist support.

Chief Constable Fuller said senior officers had visited the families of the two officers to offer condolences and support.

She said the impact of the tragedy would be felt not only within Cleveland Police but throughout local communities and the wider policing family.

Tributes from across the community

Political representatives, emergency services and policing organisations have also expressed their condolences.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood highlighted the risks police officers face while protecting communities.

Cleveland Police Federation described the loss of the two officers as unfathomable, while local representatives also paid tribute to everyone affected and to the emergency services who responded to the scene.

A devastating loss

This incident has resulted in the loss of seven lives and will have a lasting impact on several families, emergency service colleagues and the wider community.

At this stage, the circumstances surrounding the collision remain subject to investigation.

Our thoughts are with the families and friends of everyone who lost their life, as well as the emergency service personnel dealing with the aftermath of this tragedy.

Dignity Alliance – Community Voice • Practical Support • Accountability