Twelve people have been arrested as part of an investigation into a collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough in which seven individuals died, including two police officers. The detainees comprise nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61, according to Cleveland Police.
The arrests relate to events that preceded the fatal crash. Some of those detained are suspected of involvement in organised crime activities, Cleveland Police stated. Four of the seven people who died in the vehicle that struck the marked police car had previous criminal convictions.
The collision occurred on the A66 when a car travelling in the wrong direction struck a marked police vehicle head-on. Among those killed were PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. The crash followed a police pursuit that had concluded before the impact occurred.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched a mandatory investigation following the referral from Cleveland Police. The arrests represent a significant development in establishing the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
Key Facts
- Twelve people arrested: nine men and three women aged 19 to 61
- Seven people died in the collision, including two Cleveland Police officers
- Four of those killed had previous criminal convictions
- Some suspects are believed to have been involved in organised crime activities
- The crash involved a wrong-way vehicle colliding head-on with a marked police car
