Thank you for subscribing!

PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed during the fatal crash

The two police officers killed in this morning’s crash on the A66 have been named by police, as Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "devastated" to hear of the tragic incident.

PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed during the fatal crash, Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said.

"This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland," the police chief said, adding: "The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies."

She said the two officers who died "were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn't return home to their families at the end of their shift".

Chief Constable Fuller says she has visited the families of both officers to "offer our condolences and support".

The officers, and five members of the public, died during the crash between a police car and a Volkswagen going the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough this morning

After hearing the news, Prime Minister Andy Burnham posted on X: “Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.

“Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time."

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police.

Officers from Cleveland Police spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car, the watchdog said.

Chief Constable Fuller also said the members of the public inside the Volkswagen have been formally identified.

“Formal identification has now taken place for the occupants of the Volkswagen Passat and specialist family liaison officers are being deployed to support the bereaved families, we also have support in place for our officers and staff who have been affected by today’s tragic events", she said.

Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called for “time and space” for an investigation to be completed, adding: “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.

IOPC Director of Investigations Nicola Marfleet earlier 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."