Multiple people have died following a crash involving a car and a police vehicle near Middlesbrough. The collision happened on the A66 in South Bank in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, and involved a Volkswagen Passat and a police vehicle, a Cleveland Police spokesperson said.
Significant emergency response
The crash, which occurred at about 3.39am, prompted a 'significant' emergency response. Police said the road would remain closed for some time and advised people to use alternative routes.
The force statement said: "Around 3.39am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank. Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities."
Victims being identified
It has not yet been confirmed exactly how many people have died. Police said they are working to identify the victims and contact their families.
The statement added: "There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene and the road will remain closed for some time. The public are asked to use alternative routes. We are working to identify the victims and contact their families. This is a quickly-evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation."
