Two serving police officers and five members of the public were killed in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday morning. The collision happened after a police pursuit involving a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the carriageway.
Officers named as crash victims
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when the Passat, which was travelling against the flow of traffic, collided with their marked police vehicle heading in the correct direction. Cleveland Police confirmed that both officers and all five occupants of the Passat were pronounced dead at the scene at 3.39am.
The force said the families of both officers have been informed and are being offered specialist support.
IOPC investigation launched
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. The watchdog said officers spotted a suspicious vehicle and began a pursuit before the car entered the A66 and collided with the police car.
IOPC director of investigations Nicola Marfleet said: “This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance.” She added that investigators have been sent to begin reviewing evidence and that the watchdog is cooperating with Cleveland Police to establish the circumstances of the collision.
Community and emergency response
Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash occurred, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A66 this morning. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident. Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident.” She also urged people to avoid speculating online to respect the families and police.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it was called to a two-vehicle crash and sent 14 units, including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service. A spokesperson said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”
Road closures and scene details
The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston, with police officers manning both ends of the cordon. A large white tent was erected over the scene, and a drone exclusion zone was put in place. The closed section of the road is bordered by industrial units and is close to the Teesworks site.
