The two police officers killed in this morning’s crash on the A66 have been named.

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller confirmed their identities as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.

‘This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland,’ she said in a press conference outside Cleveland Police headquarters in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, where flags are flying at half-mast.

‘These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.’

Both Fuller and the Deputy Chief Constable visited the bereaved families to offer condolences as they ‘begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss’.

Fuller added that the impact of the deaths is being felt ‘across communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies’.

A total of seven people died in the collision in the early hours today after a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough collided with a police vehicle on the same road.

The other five victims who died at the scene have also now been formally identified.

Specialist family liaison officers are supporting their families.

It is now mandatory that the incident be referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

Fuller stated that the force will comply fully with the investigation.

She ‘strongly’ urged the public not to speculate on the matter and to respect the privacy of those grieving.

The collision occurred shortly after 3.30am, after the police spotted a suspicious vehicle and pursued it onto the A66.

It is understood that the marked police car involved in the crash, which was driving in the correct direction, was not part of the pursuit. It was just in the area.

A major emergency response was triggered, involving 14 ambulance resources, North East Ambulance Service said.

The crash site has not been visible, with a large tent erected over the scene and surrounded by police cordons, as well as a drone exclusion zone.

Police said in a statement earlier: ‘Cleveland Police can confirm that seven people have died as a result of a collision in South Bank at 3.39am this morning.

‘This includes two serving Cleveland Police officers who were in a marked police vehicle and five members of the public who were travelling in a Volkswagen Passat.

‘The Passat was travelling the wrong way along the A66 and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling on the same road in the right direction.

‘Sadly, all occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.

‘The families of those identified have been informed and are being offered specialist support.’

Writing on X in the aftermath, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is ‘devastated’ by the events.

‘My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.’

Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey called the crash ‘tragic’, adding: ‘There are few words that can bring comfort to the family, friends and colleagues of the seven people who have lost their lives.’

Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville also said: ‘Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not. And that is just unfathomable.’

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