Middlesbrough A66 crash no 'direct contact' from police
An initial investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) found no evidence of 'tactical contact' by police prior to a fatal crash in Middlesbrough that killed two officers and five civilians. The collision occurred after a police pursuit was abandoned and the suspect vehicle drove the wrong way down a dual carriageway.
Why it matters
The incident is a high-profile case involving police conduct and public safety, necessitating a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the pursuit.
Image source, Cleveland Police Image caption, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed in the collision
No evidence of "tactical contact" or the use of a stinger has been found before the A66 crash which killed five young men and two police officers, an initial investigation has revealed.
The crash between a Volkswagen Passat and a marked Cleveland Police vehicle happened at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, on 22 August and followed a police pursuit which was abandoned.
The initial investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said there was no evidence police had initiated contact with the Passat.
However, director of engagement, Emily Barry, said it will take the IOPC months to conclude its full investigation due to the amount of information to review.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who had not been following the Passat, were killed.
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