Update: IOPC investigation following fatal road collision in Middlesbrough

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation into the fatal road traffic incident in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers has made further progress in establishing the circumstances in the lead up to the collision. 

We began our investigation last month following a mandatory referral from the force with IOPC investigators sent to the scene and the post incident procedure to begin reviewing evidence within hours of the collision. 

The collision happened on Saturday 22 August at 3.39am on the A66 in South Bank and resulted in the deaths of seven people, including Cleveland Police officers PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, and five occupants of a Volkswagen Passat: Michael Cahill, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington. 

At this stage we can provide a definitive timeline for the pursuit by Cleveland Police officers with the pursuit starting at 3:33am. Analysis of police in-car footage shows that six minutes and 12 seconds later, at 3.39am, the driver of the Passat slows on the approach to the A66 junction braking heavily, then turns to the right and travels along the A66 against the flow of traffic. 

The pursuing police vehicle driver does not follow the Passat onto the wrong carriageway, instead the police vehicle’s blue lights are turned off and the police driver follows on the correct carriageway.  

Approximately 17 seconds later, the Passat and another police vehicle, which was travelling on the correct carriageway, collide. The available evidence at this point indicates there was no tactical contact initiated by police when the collision occurs and there was no use of a stinger, a portable spike strip deployed by officers to puncture the tyres of a vehicle, during the pursuit.

A forensic collision investigator is currently exploring investigative methods to ascertain both vehicles’ speeds during the collision. 

IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry said: “I wish to again extend my sympathies to the family and friends of those involved, and to everyone who has been impacted by the loss of lives. We continue to recognise the devastating and long-lasting impact this incident has had on the families and those in the force, the policing community, and the wider local community. 

“As our investigation continues to progress, I would like to reassure everyone that we are focused on establishing precisely what happened in the run up to the tragic incident. It’s vital that a thorough independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances. The officers involved at this stage are being treated as witnesses. 

“We are aware there is speculation regarding how the collision occurred. There is no suggestion the collision was a result of any direct police contact, nor was a stinger used by the police in an attempt to stop the Passat. It’s important to acknowledge that due to the vast amount of information to be reviewed, analysed and verified, along with the expert reports that have been commissioned to support our investigation, we anticipate it will take months, rather than weeks, to conclude our investigation. 

“We have ensured that all families have been made aware of our involvement and they will be provided with regular updates throughout.”

The IOPC has commissioned two expert reports, with one considering the collision reconstruction and another assessing the relevant policies and procedures that are in place for officers during pursuits.