An investigation has been launched after a police pursuit ended in a crash and 'multiple fatalities' in the early hours of this morning.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it will be investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Cleveland Police attended the A66 in South Bank at about 3.39am this morning after the collision that resulted in multiple fatalities.
A police cordon is in place and the road remains closed.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
A spokesperson for the IOPC said: "The IOPC is investigating the circumstances of the fatal road traffic collision in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers.
"At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began.
"The car travelled onto the A66 in South Bank and collided with a police car at 3.39am.
"We can confirm that sadly multiple people have died in the collision.
"Following a mandatory referral from the force, we declared an independent investigation at 6.03am."
Nicola Marfleet, IOPC Director of Investigations, added: “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.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
"We will provide a further update when we are in a position to do so.”
Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A66 this morning.
"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident.
"Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident.
"The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane. Please avoid the area and use alternative routes.
"We would ask everyone to avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time."
A Cleveland Police spokesperson 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 North East Ambulance Service and the Great North Air Ambulance Service were also called to the scene.
A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: “We were called to a serious road traffic incident involving three vehicles on the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on 22 August.
"We sent 14 ambulance resources at the scene, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
"Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.
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"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 the Air Ambulance said: "Our critical care team was activated at 4am to reports of a road traffic collision on the A66 near South Bank.
"We had a paramedic and doctor in a rapid response vehicle and they arrived on scene at 4.25am."