Key facts
- Twelve people have been arrested in connection with a fatal crash on the A66.
- The crash resulted in the deaths of seven people, including two police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
- The arrested individuals include nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61.
- Some of those arrested are suspected of participating in the activities of an organized crime group.
- Four of the deceased in the car that collided with the police vehicle had prior convictions.
- The investigation is also looking into reports of dangerous driving involving two vehicles prior to the crash.
Twelve individuals have been arrested in connection with a fatal crash on the A66 that claimed the lives of seven people, including two police officers. Cleveland police stated that the arrested individuals, comprising nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61, are being investigated for their roles in the events leading up to the collision.
Some of those taken into custody are suspected of involvement with an organized crime group, according to Cleveland police. The investigation is also examining reports of dangerous driving involving two vehicles prior to the crash, one of which was reportedly seen ramming properties in Middlesbrough and had cloned number plates. A Volvo XC60 was recovered as part of the inquiry.
Among the seven deceased were PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. The other five victims were identified as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18. Police noted that four of the individuals in the car that collided with the police vehicle had previous convictions.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox described the investigation as fast-moving and complex, with significant links to serious and organized criminal activity. He emphasized the duty to investigate the criminal activity that resulted in the fatal incident and bring those responsible to justice.