Several dead after police vehicle collides with car on A66 in northern England

Several people have died after a police vehicle collided with a car on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, northern England.

The crash occurred at about 3:39am on Saturday and involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat, while the North East Ambulance Service confirmed that three vehicles were involved in total.

Cleveland Police said the collision resulted in “multiple fatalities” as officers worked to identify the victims and contact their families.

A police spokesperson said the incident was “quickly evolving” and urged members of the public to “respectfully avoid speculation” as investigations continued.

The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, with the police warning that the road would remain shut “for some time.”

The North East Ambulance Service said 14 ambulances were dispatched to the scene, but “a number of patients died at the scene” despite efforts by emergency responders.

The service expressed condolences to the families of those who died and everyone affected by the tragedy.

Further details about the identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the collision were still being established as investigations continued.