Multiple people have died in a crash on the A66 after police pursued a 'suspicious vehicle'

Multiple people have died in a serious collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough after police pursued a "suspicious vehicle" in the early hours of this morning.

The crash, involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat, has prompted a "significant" emergency response, with Cleveland Police advising motorists to use alternative routes.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the crash that occurred "following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers".

The vehicle travelled onto the A66 in South Bank where it collided with the police car, the watchdog said.

"At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began," the IOPC said.

The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane.

Authorities are yet to confirm the number of fatalities.

A 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."

Officers have cordoned off the section of the A66, and a large white tent has been erected over the scene.

Police have also imposed a drone exclusion zone in the area.

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a serious road traffic incident involving two vehicles on the A66 at South Bank at 3.39am on 22 August.

"We sent 14 ambulance resources at the scene, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, our hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.

"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."

Read more from Sky News:
Girl dies after Shoreham sea tragedy
Woman denies arson after moor fire

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."

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash took place, said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A66 this morning.

"My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident.

"Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident."

She added: "We would ask everyone to avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time."

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

(c) Sky News 2026: Multiple people have died in a crash on the A66 after police pursued a 'suspicious vehicle'