The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has said an initial investigation into the collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough last month, which killed five young men and two police officers, found no evidence of “tactical contact” or the use of a stinger before the crash.
The head-on crash between a Volkswagen Passat and a marked Cleveland Police vehicle happened at South Bank on the A66 at 3.39am on August 22 and followed a police pursuit which was abandoned.
PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who had not been following the Passat, were killed. The five in the VW were Michael Cahill, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington.
Timeline of the pursuit
The IOPC said the pursuit began at 3.33am and six minutes and 12 seconds later, the Passat slowed as it approached the A66, turned right and headed the wrong way down the dual carriageway.
The watchdog said the pursuing police driver did not follow the Passat along the wrong carriageway, turned off the blue warning lights and headed along the A66 on the right side of the road. The Passat and the car containing PC Clough and PC Blades collided around 17 seconds later.
No direct police contact
There was no evidence that the police initiated contact with the Passat or used a stinger to try to stop it, the IOPC declared. A forensic collision investigator was still working to ascertain the speed of both vehicles at the point of collision.
IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry said: “I wish to again extend my sympathies to the family and friends of those involved, and to everyone who has been impacted by the loss of lives.
“We continue to recognise the devastating and long-lasting impact this incident has had on the families and those in the force, the policing community, and the wider local community,” she added. “As our investigation continues to progress, I would like to reassure everyone that we are focused on establishing precisely what happened in the run up to the tragic incident.
“It’s vital that a thorough independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances. The officers involved at this stage are being treated as witnesses.”
Investigation to take months
Ms Barry continued: “We are aware there is speculation regarding how the collision occurred. There is no suggestion the collision was a result of any direct police contact, nor was a stinger used by the police in an attempt to stop the Passat.
“It’s important to acknowledge that due to the vast amount of information to be reviewed, analysed and verified, along with the expert reports that have been commissioned to support our investigation, we anticipate it will take months, rather than weeks, to conclude our investigation.”
The IOPC has commissioned two expert reports, with one considering the collision reconstruction and another assessing the relevant policies and procedures that are in place for officers during pursuits.
