IOPC investigation underway after fatal road collision in Middlesbrough following police pursuit

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic collision in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers.

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

The car travelled onto the A66 in South Bank and collided with a police car at 3.39am. We can confirm that sadly multiple people have died in the collision. 

Following a mandatory referral from the force, we 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.”