Seven dead in A66 crash involving police pursuit

Seven people including two police officers have been killed in a crash during a pursuit with a "suspicious" car driving the wrong way down a dual-carriageway.

The collision involved a marked police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, at about 03:39 BST, Cleveland Police said.

The police car was travelling the right way down the road before the crash, with the occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: "No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland."

The families of those identified have been informed and were being offered specialist support.

"This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family," Fuller added.

North East Ambulance Service said it deployed 14 "ambulance resources" amid a huge emergency response earlier.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was opening an investigation.

The watchdog said: "At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began."

The A66 is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories.

The road was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane and the force said it was set to stay shut for the rest of the day.

A police van and a car could be seen at the east side of the road with lights flashing, with two police officers standing at the scene.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.