More arrests made in response to Teesside A66 crash which left 7 dead
Police investigating a crash on the A66 on Teesside on Saturday have made a further five arrests, bringing the total to 17
The deaths of two police officers and five young men on the A66 may have exposed links to serious and organised crime on Teesside.
A further 5 people have been arrested last night, as police continue to investigate - bringing the total of arrests now to 17.
This activity has been led by Cleveland Police with support from the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).
A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of participate in an organised crime group
An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of participate in an organised crime group
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of participate in an organised crime group
A 55-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill
Yesterday, Cleveland Police revealed the first 12 people were arrested in relation to offences ranging from possession of a firearm to participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
The force also say at the current time, there is no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities that took place on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, 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.’
“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.”