Seven People Dead Including Two Police Officers After Wrong-Way Crash On A66 — And The Community Is Heartbroken

Two police officers and five young people have died in a devastating wrong-way crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough — and the entire community is mourning what officials are calling an "unimaginable loss."

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way struck their Cleveland Police vehicle at 3:39 AM on Saturday morning, according to the BBC.

The five people in the wrong-way vehicle, said to be in their late teens to early 20s, were also killed. They have not yet been named publicly.

What We Know About The Crash

The BBC understands that a police pursuit of the car had ended before the crash occurred, with the police vehicle just happening to be in the South Bank area at the time of impact.

Security footage from a house on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appears to show a car being pursued by police vehicles just three minutes before the fatal collision.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating the incident, as is mandatory when someone dies following police contact. IOPC Director of Investigations Nicola Marfleet called it a "tragic incident" and said her "thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance."

"Brave Officers Protecting Our Communities"

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described Saturday as an "incredibly sad day for Cleveland," saying: "No one should leave their home and not return safely."

Fuller visited both officers' families to "offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss."

Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said the loss was "unfathomable," adding: "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today."

Tributes Pour In

Politicians across the country have remembered the fallen officers, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham saying he was "devastated" by the news.

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, paid tribute to both officers: "The bravery we see from our police officers every day, every night is incredible and no one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift. It is a tragedy for the community and the Cleveland Police family."

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen called it "a horrible and tragic incident," adding: "Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us."

Tributes have been left near the scene of the crash, and the A66 — the major artery through Teesside — remained closed on Sunday as investigations continue.

What Happens Next

The IOPC investigation will examine the circumstances around the pursuit and the crash. At this early stage, the watchdog understands that Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began, though it appears to have ended before the collision occurred.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp shared his condolences and said the IOPC "must be given the time and space to complete their investigations without speculation."

The location of the crash, surrounded by industrial units and factories, has been cordoned off as investigators work to piece together exactly what happened in those early morning hours.

Our thoughts are with the families of all seven victims, the Cleveland Police family, and the entire Teesside community during this incredibly difficult time.

What are your thoughts on how we support police officers and their families after tragedies like this? Share your comments below.

Sources:

• BBC News