'Devastated': Andy Burnham responds to A66 horror crash near Middlesbrough

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he was left “devastated” to hear about the crash that killed two police officers and five other people.

The deadly smash happened shortly after 3.30am this morning on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.

The police car had begun a pursuit of a “suspicious vehicle”, according to the police watchdog.

A Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way down the A66 then hit the police car head on, which was on the right side of the road.

All seven people - two police officers and five members of the public - were declared dead at the scene.

Mr Burnham posted on X: “Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public.

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

“Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood paid tribute to the two Cleveland Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

She said: “A devastating incident in Teesside this morning in which seven people have died, including two police officers.

“Cleveland Police have my support as they work to identify all those involved.

“Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day.

“The two officers were on active duty, serving the people of Cleveland.

“My thoughts are with all those affected, their families, friends, the emergency services who attended the scene and the wider police family.”

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, 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. 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.

“Cleveland Police are investigating the accident, alongside the Independent Office for Police Conduct. It is crucial that we respect that process and avoid speculation at this deeply painful time.

“I cannot begin to imagine how difficult this has been for the emergency services responding to such a devastating incident. Thank you to every one of them for their courage, care and professionalism.”