Seven dead including two police officers after VW travelling wrong way crashes into cop car
The Prime Minister described the incident as "devastating" following the death of all occupants in both vehicles
Seven people including two police officers have died after a horror crash in the early hours of the morning.
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Emergency services were alerted to the collision between the officers' car and a Volkswagen Passat, on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, at around 3:40am.
The VW was travelling the wrong way and collided with a police vehicle on the same road going in the right direction, Cleveland Police said.
Two of the seven people who have lost their lives have now been confirmed as Cleveland Police officers, who were on duty at the time.
In a statement, the force said that the Passat was travelling the wrong way and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling on the same road in the right direction.
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It comes days after five teenage boys died in a crash involving a car driving in the wrong direction on a motorway in Co Kildare, Ireland.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: "First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in today’s incident.
"No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland.
"This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family.
"We are providing specialist support to all families involved at this extremely difficult time.
"The investigation has been referred to the IOPC, which is the standard approach when a death occurs following police contact. We will cooperate fully with their investigation.
"While this investigation takes place, we strongly urge people to avoid speculation. A referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), as is mandatory in these circumstances."
Drivers are being advised to find alternative routes while the road remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston, Teesside.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct [IOPC] said an investigation has been launched.
It will remain closed for some time, Cleveland Police confirmed, while the exact number of fatalities remains unclear with police are working to identify the victims.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham posted on X: "Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public.
"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.
"Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time."
A force spokesperson previously said this morning that multiple people died following the crash.
It was understood a large white tent has been erected over the scene, with multiple emergency service vehicles still on the scene.
The closed section of the A66 is bordered by large industrial units to the north, and is close to the major Teesworks site.
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 investigators have been sent to start reviewing evidence, and the watchdog is cooperating with Cleveland Police to establish the circumstances of the collision.
The North East Ambulance Service said it dispatched 14 ambulance resources to the scene including a specialist paramedic, our hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson added: "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."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood described Saturday's crash as devastating and paid tribute to the emergency services on the scene.
Ms Mahmood said: "A devastating incident in Teesside this morning in which seven people have died, including two police officers.
"Cleveland police have my support as they work to identify all those involved. Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day.
"The two officers were on active duty, serving the people of Cleveland.
"My thoughts are with all those affected, their families, friends, the emergency services who attended the scene and the wider police family."