‘Multiple fatalities’ after car crashes following police chase

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Several people have died after a police pursuit ended up in a crash in North Yorkshire. A stretch of the A66 has been closed in the South Bank neighbourhood of Middlesbrough after a fatal crash this morning. The crash involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat travelling along the A66. Moments before the collision, police officers are believed to have spotted a suspicious vehicle, leading to a chase, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. A forensic crash investigation continues on the A66 after the collision following a police pursuit (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd) Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. A stretch of the A66 in South Bank, Middlesbrough, remains cordoned off after the fatal crash in the early hours of the morning (Picture: BACKGRID) The watchdog said the crash happened at 3.39am ‘following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers.’ The identity and number of the victims has not been publicly confirmed yet, but several people are said to have died at the scene. The ambulance service said it was alerted to a two-vehicle crash, and it dispatched 14 units, including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance and a hazardous response team. The fire brigade is also at the scene. North East Ambulance Service said: ‘Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. Timeline of the A66 crash The IOPC said the car travelled on the A66 in South Bank and ‘collided with a police car at 3.39am.’ It then declared an independent investigation at 6.03am following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. Nicola Marfleet, IOPC’s director of investigations, said: ‘This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance. ‘Our investigation is in the very early stages, we have sent investigators to the post incident procedures to begin reviewing evidence. ‘When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory that the matter is referred to the IOPC. Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Cleveland Police is cooperating with our enquiries. We will provide a further update when we are in a position to do so.’ The fatal collision on the A66 involved three vehicles, including a police car (Picture: BACKGRID) ‘We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.’ A spokesperson for Cleveland Police 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. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene, and the road will remain closed for some time. The A66 is expected to remain closed for hours after the fatal crash (Picture: BACKGRID) ‘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.’ The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, Eston. ‘Devastating incident’ Several people succumbed to their injuries at the scene of the crash on the A66 (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd) Locals have reacted to the news of the fatal crash this morning. Anna Turley, the MP for Redcar, 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 asked everyone to ‘avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time.’ Adam Brook, a councillor with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said on social media: ‘Very sad news this morning following a serious collision on the A66 involving a car and a police vehicle, which has tragically resulted in multiple fatalities. ‘My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this awful incident. ‘My thanks also go to the emergency services responding at what will undoubtedly be an incredibly difficult scene.’ Got a story? 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