Two officers among seven dead following police vehicle crash horror

You are about to be charged £0.00* *Your gift has been applied Thank you for subscribing! Two officers among seven dead following police vehicle crash horror The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation following the fatal crash Don't Miss Most Read Two police officers and five other people have been pronounced dead following a car crash on the A66 in the early hours of the morning. The fatal car crash, which occurred at 3.39am in South Bank, came during a police pursuit along the busy road. Cleveland Police confirmed earlier today that the A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane. A spokesman for the force 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 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." Police officers at the scene of the crash on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough |PA However, local Labour MP Anna Turley later added that Cleveland Police confirmed seven people had died following the collision. She said: "My heart goes out to every family, friend and loved one now facing the most unimaginable loss following this morning's devastating accident on the A66. "Cleveland Police have confirmed that seven people have sadly lost their lives. Their families and loved ones are now facing an unimaginable loss that will be felt forever. "Two of the seven people who have lost their lives were Cleveland Police officers, on duty serving our community. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS Police cordon at the scene of the fatal car collision near Middlesbrough |PA "They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families. Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served." Following reports of a crash earlier today, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police watchdog confirmed the crash came Cleveland Police officers pursued a suspicious vehicle. The IOPC's investigation was triggered after a mandatory referral. The aftermath of the collision which occurred in the early hours of this morning |PA 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. "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." Meanwhile, North East Ambulance Service said it had sent 14 units to the scene earlier today. A spokesman for the ambulance said: "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."