17 arrests made as A66 crash investigation continues near Middlesbrough
Five victims linked to serious criminal activity
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash on the A66, which claimed the lives of seven people, including two police officers, and led to 17 arrests.
Cleveland Police, assisted by the National Crime Agency and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit, recently arrested five individuals with alleged ties to organised criminal activity. These new arrests include a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man suspected of involvement in organised crime, a 55-year-old on suspicion of assisting an offender, and a 23-year-old accused of making threats to kill.
Two suspects from the earlier arrests have been brought to court. Kai Beattie, 19, from Redcar, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Cameron George, 26, also from Redcar, is scheduled to appear at Teesside Crown Court on 21st September, facing charges relating to drugs offences and possession of criminal property.
The deceased, described by police as having links to serious criminal activity, included five individuals travelling in a Volkswagen Passat during the crash near South Bank, Middlesbrough. Among them were 17-year-olds Cole Worthy and Theo Rae, 18-year-old Makai Saddington, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak. The crash, which occurred early on Saturday, came as the Passat travelled the wrong way on the dual-carriageway and collided with the officers’ armed response vehicle.
Before the collision, officers were informed of dangerous driving involving two cars: a Volkswagen Passat and a Volvo XC60, with witnesses observing the Volvo ramming properties in Middlesbrough. Both vehicles reportedly used cloned number plates, although the Volvo has been recovered in Middlesbrough.
Police have dismissed claims of the vehicles’ activities being filmed for social media purposes, specifically TikTok. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox emphasised the complexity of the investigation, linking it to severe criminal activity.
A fundraiser initiated by the Cleveland Police Federation has so far raised over £950,000 for the families of the fallen officers, pledging ongoing support. Pc Tom Clough, previously with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, has been commemorated by family as 'our hero,' while Pc Matthew Blades’ wife paid tribute to him as a devoted father.
Inquests are set for Thursday morning for the officers and the afternoon for the five young men at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.