A66 fatal crash near Middlesbrough described as 'devastating'
Politicians, senior police officers and other officials have been giving their reaction to the deaths of seven people following a crash
Last updated 22nd Aug 2026
The Prime Minister and members of the government's cabinet are among those describing their shock at a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough, which has claimed the lives of seven people - including two on-duty police officers.
The collision involved a police car and a Volkswagen Passat, which was being pursued and had driven the wrong way along the A66 in Sand Bank.
Emergency services were called to the scene just before 3.40am this morning (Saturday 22nd August 2026), but sadly seven people were found dead.
The officers who died have been named by Cleveland Police as PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
The Home Secretary's described what's happened as 'devastating'.
Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said “we ask so much of our officers” after the crash on the A66, in which two police officers died.
The Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear of the incident.
Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen described the crash on the A66 as “a horrible and tragic incident”.
He told the Press Association: “A horrible and tragic incident in South Bank this morning and my thoughts are with those affected, their families and the emergency services who attended the scene.
“Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us and I know all of Teesside will want to pay tribute to the officers and other emergency service workers involved for the bravery they have shown in responding to this incident.”
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey has issued the below statement regarding the deaths of seven people as a result of a collision in South Bank at 3.39am this morning (Saturday 22 August).
He said: "There are few words that can bring comfort to the family, friends and colleagues of the seven people who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.
"Our thoughts are with everyone affected and with those who are continuing to come to terms with this unimaginable loss, including colleagues at Cleveland Police, who will feel the profound loss of two of their serving officers.
"On behalf of everyone at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the people of Cleveland, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all seven people who lost their lives.
"I also give my sincere thanks to the staff from all our emergency services who responded to, and are continuing to manage, this devastating incident."
Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, said:
“My thoughts are with the families and friends of those officers killed in the line of duty earlier today as well as those serving in Cleveland Police, the wider police family and all the emergency services who attend the scene.
“The Police and IPOC must be given the time and space to complete their investigations without speculation.”