Several people have died after a crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat 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 three cars, including a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat driving along the A66.

The identity of the victims has not been publicly confirmed yet, but a number of people are said to have died at the scene.

The ambulance service said it was alerted to a three-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.

North East Ambulance Service 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.’

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 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 fire service said: ‘Cleveland Fire Brigade are currently attending a road traffic collision on the westbound carriageway of the A66 south bank area. Please avoid the area if you can.’

The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, Eston.

Adam Brook, a councillor with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: ‘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.’

Metro has contacted the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for a comment.

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