Cleveland Police have confirmed that a fatal house fire and a collision on the A66 that together claimed nine lives, including two serving officers, are not being treated as connected.
Seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her aunt Natalie McDonald, 34, died in a house fire on Wednesday, days after seven people were killed in a collision on the A66, among them Cleveland Police officers Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough.
Investigation Continues
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland, head of local policing at Cleveland Police, said officers and staff had continued working round the clock in the wake of the fatal A66 collision while simultaneously responding to the tragic house fire.
He said: "Since the tragic incident last Saturday morning in which seven people, including two of our serving police officers, Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, sadly lost their lives, officers and staff have remained working around the clock to continue to serve the public of Cleveland."
"In the same week, we have also seen a tragic house fire on Wednesday in which two people lost their lives, which is also understandably impacting the force and our local communities. At this time, we are not linking this incident to the fatal collision on the A66."
National Spotlight on Policing
The two tragedies have thrust policing in Cleveland, and growing concerns over violence within local communities, firmly into the national spotlight.
ACC Sutherland acknowledged that officers continue to face considerable challenges, but stressed that the force remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting crime and safeguarding communities.
He said: "Since these two horrific events, the reality of policing in Cleveland and the levels of violence suffered in our communities, has come under the spotlight on a national level."
"Brave officers face significant challenges day in day out, but I want to reassure the public that we will remain unwavering in our efforts to tackle criminals and protect our communities."
Additional Support and Resources
He further confirmed that Cleveland Police had received additional backing from neighbouring forces and the National Crime Agency.
ACC Sutherland stated that the extra resources would enable the force to uphold its service to the public, while sustaining patrols in the worst-affected areas and maintaining a visible police presence for residents wishing to raise concerns with officers.
He said: "It's important to acknowledge the support and additional resource we are receiving from a number of other forces in the northern region and beyond, and also from the National Crime Agency."
"This support not only means we can maintain our service to the public, but also continue to conduct patrols in the areas most affected and be a visible presence should anyone wish to speak to officers with any concerns."
MP Reassures Community
Anna Turley, the MP for Redcar, revealed she had attended a briefing with Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller, who was keen to reassure the public that the force had sufficient resources at its disposal.
Ms Turley acknowledged that residents were feeling fearful within their communities in the wake of the recent incidents.
She said: "People are feeling frightened in their communities, and I've just come from a really important briefing with the chief constable, who said that 'I really want to reassure people that we have all the resources we need'."
"We are working day and night to keep people safe."
"We have over 200 extra officers from all across the country who've come in and who are doing everything they can, and we've seen from the number of arrests so far already that they are taking action."
Ms Turley said she personally took comfort from the number of arrests carried out thus far and was adamant that the enhanced policing operation would not be a temporary measure.
She said: "This is not going to be a blip."
"These resources will be here for some time, and then the conversation should start about what we need to do going forward."
Caution Against Assumptions
Ms Turley also emphasised that not every incident requiring police attendance was related to the broader investigation into organised crime.
She cautioned against people presuming that recent events were all linked due to the heightened national focus on Cleveland.
She said: "I think it's really important to get across the fact that these incidents are not all linked."
"It could feel that way at the moment because of the national spotlight on us, but unfortunately, we know we've had a high level of crime in this area for a long time now. These are incidents, sadly, that we see all the time."
ACC Sutherland also expressed gratitude to members of the public for their support throughout what has been an exceptionally challenging week for officers, staff and the wider community.
He said: "Lastly, I want to thank the general public. Our officers work closely with many corners of our communities on a daily basis to tackle issues in their local neighbourhoods, and whose support these past seven days has been overwhelming and very much appreciated."
"It has provided officers, staff and the families of the officers with great comfort."
