Police investigating the multi-fatal collision on the A66 have arrested a 16-year-old boy among a further five people detained, bringing the total number of arrests to 17.
Seven people died in the crash in the early hours of Saturday morning, including two police officers, PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37. Five occupants of a Volkswagen Passat also died at the scene: Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.
Latest arrests
Cleveland Police confirmed on Monday afternoon that it had made 12 arrests following the tragedy. The force has since released details of a further five arrests carried out on Monday evening, bringing the total to 17.
The latest arrests include a 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, an 18-year-old man arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, a 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and a 23-year-old man arrested on suspicion of threats to kill.
First batch of arrests and charges
The first batch of arrests also includes details of two people charged. A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon and has been released on conditional bail. A 30-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on conditional bail.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon and has been released on conditional bail. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage and has been released on conditional bail. He has been remanded on recall to prison.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and public order and is in police custody. A 61-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate and has been released on conditional bail. A 47-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs and has been released on conditional bail.
An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs and has been released on unconditional bail. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs and has been released on conditional bail. A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and has been released on conditional bail.
Cameron George, 26, of Micklow Close in Redcar, has been charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of criminal property. He has been remanded in custody until September 21, where he is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court.
Kai Beattie, 19, of Foxrush Close, Redcar, was arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and was released on conditional bail for this offence. He has however been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court today.
Investigation details
The inquiry was launched in the aftermath of the weekend collision. On Saturday morning, Cleveland Police received multiple reports of two vehicles being driven in a dangerous manner.
The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was reportedly seen ramming properties across the Middlesbrough area. The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is thought to have been connected to the actions of the Volvo XC60. Both vehicles were fitted with cloned registration plates to evade detection but were identified by the Force's automated number plate recognition system. The Volvo XC60 linked to the initial reports has been located and seized in Middlesbrough as part of the criminal inquiry.
At present, there is no evidence to suggest that recording of the activities that occurred on Friday night and Saturday morning has been carried out for the purposes of TikTok. Four of the passengers in the Passat had prior criminal convictions.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, who holds strategic responsibility for leading the investigation, said: "This has been a fast moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity. The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect. We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident, and to bring all those responsible to justice."
"Our robust response will continue in the weeks and months to come, as we continue to tackle those that seek to cause harm to our communities and tackle serious and organised crime. Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy. Two of their colleagues lost their lives while serving the people of Cleveland and, while the impact will be felt by our people for a long time to come, they have continued to act with the upmost professionalism. I am also extremely grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from the public of Cleveland and our wider police family."
