Police arrest 12 people as part of investigation into fatal A66 crash

Twelve people have been arrested as part of a major investigation into organised crime.

Police arrest 12 people as part of investigation into fatal A66 crash

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Twelve people have been arrested following a major investigation into the events leading up to the fatal A66 crash.

Cleveland Police made the arrests in connection with the fatal collision that claimed seven lives, including two police officers.

On August 22, officers received multiple reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously in Middlesbrough.

One of the cars, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was seen ramming into properties, while a Volkswagen Passat was thought to be linked to the incident.

Both vehicles were using cloned number plates to avoid detection but were identified by the force’s automated number plate recognition system.

The Volvo was later traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the ongoing investigation.

Throughout the weekend, Cleveland Police, supported by officers from Durham, Northumbria, and North Yorkshire, worked to piece together the events leading up to the crash.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said: "This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.

"The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect.

"We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident and to bring all those responsible to justice.

"Our robust response will continue in the weeks and months to come, as we continue to tackle those that seek to cause harm to our communities and tackle serious and organised crime."

Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm and involvement in organised crime.

Cleveland Police said there is currently no evidence to suggest the incidents were filmed for TikTok.

The force also confirmed that four of the occupants of the Passat had previous police convictions.

Assistant Chief Constable Fox praised the efforts of officers and staff during the investigation.

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He said: "Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy.

"Two of their colleagues lost their lives while serving the people of Cleveland and, while the impact will be felt by our people for a long time to come, they have continued to act with the upmost professionalism.

"I am also extremely grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from the public of Cleveland and our wider police family."