A routine early-morning shift ended in catastrophe near Middlesbrough when a two-vehicle crash on the A66 left seven people dead, including two serving police officers.
An investigation is under way into the collision, the UK’s Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.
Cleveland Police identified the officers who died as Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, who were travelling in a marked police vehicle.
Police said five other people were in a Volkswagen Passat that was being driven the wrong way along the A66 in South Bank before it struck the police car, which was travelling in the correct direction on the same road.
All seven people in both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene.
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in today’s incident.
“No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland.
“This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family.
“We are providing specialist support to all families involved at this extremely difficult time.
“The investigation has been referred to the IOPC, which is the standard approach when a death occurs following police contact. We will cooperate fully with their investigation.
“While this investigation takes place, we strongly urge people to avoid speculation.”
Cleveland police said the Volkswagen Passat was being driven in the wrong direction
At the crash site, a large white tent was erected as multiple emergency service vehicles responded.
Police have put into effect a drone exclusion zone around the scene of the collision.
North East Ambulance Service said it had been called to a two-vehicle crash and dispatched 14 units, including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.
A spokesperson for the service said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.
The roads around the scene of the crash were closed
“We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”
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.”
She said investigators have been deployed to begin reviewing evidence, and that the watchdog is working with Cleveland Police to determine the circumstances surrounding the collision.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote 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 chairwoman of Cleveland Police Federation said “words cannot describe the pain” following the deaths of the two officers.
Lauren Somerville said: “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today.
“Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not. And that is just unfathomable.
“Cleveland Police Federation will be offering full support to our fallen colleagues’ families and they have all of our love and care at this time.”
In a statement, the federation said it was supporting the two officers’ close colleagues and asked people to “spare a thought” for the Cleveland Police officers at work following the deaths.
