Police regulator investigating fatal A66 crash near Middlesbrough
Multiple people died early this morning after a car and a police vehicle collided in South Bank
Last updated 23 hours ago
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed it's looking into a crash near Middlesbrough, in which multiple people died.
A Volkswagen Passat and a police car collided on the A66 in South Bank at 3.39am this morning (Saturday 22nd August 2026).
Following a mandatory referral from the force, the IOPC declared an independent investigation at 6.03am.
IOPC Director of Investigations Nicola Marfleet said:
“This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance.
“Our investigation is in the very early stages, we have sent investigators to the post incident procedures to begin reviewing evidence.
“When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory that the matter is referred to the IOPC. Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Cleveland Police is cooperating with our enquiries. We will provide a further update when we are in a position to do so.”
Earlier a Cleveland Police spokesperson said:
"Around 3:39am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank.
"Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene, and the road will remain closed for some time.
"The public are asked to use alternative routes.
"We are working to identify the victims and contact their families. This is a quickly evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation."
North East Ambulance Service said it had been called to a two-vehicle crash and sent 14 units to the scene including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.
“We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”
Redcar MP Anna Turley is among those who've sent their condolences to the victims and their families.