Two police officers killed in a horror crash have been named, as the Prime Minister issued a statement on the tragedy. Seven people, including the two officers, died in the early hours crash after a pursuit on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
In a statement, the officers were named as Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough. PM Andy Burnham, meanwhile, said he was 'devastated' to hear of the deaths of the officers and five members of the public in the crash.
Chief Constable confirms deaths
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller confirmed the deaths of Pcs Blades and Clough. Reading a statement outside the force's headquarters in Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, she said: "At 3.39am this morning, a Volkswagen Passat that was travelling the wrong way down the A66 has collided with a marked Cleveland Police armed response vehicle, which was travelling on the correct side of the road.
"Tragically, two police officers, Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, died at the scene, along with the five occupants of the Passat, as a result of the collision."
She added: "This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies. 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.
"My thoughts and thoughts of everybody here at Cleveland Police are with their family, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Early today the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom's families to offer our condolences, support one another and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss."
Investigation underway
Police are still working to formally identify all occupants of the Volkswagen Passat but have informed the families of those identified and offered them specialist support.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash in South Bank after a mandatory referral from the force. Officers from Cleveland Police spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car, the watchdog said.
Road closed and PM's statement
The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston. Police officers manned both ends of the cordon and the crash site was not visible from the road closures. A large white tent has been erected over the scene, with multiple emergency service vehicles around.
PM Mr Burnham posted on X: "Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.
"Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time."
