Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Mike Taylor

Deadly A66 crash investigation ‘looking at links to organised crime’ as 12 are arrested

  • Twelve people aged between 19 and 61 have been arrested following a head-on collision on the A66 in Teesside that killed seven people, including two police officers .
  • Cleveland Police officers Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when their marked armed response vehicle was struck by a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the wrong side of the dual carriageway.
  • All five occupants of the Volkswagen Passat, aged between 17 and 23, were pronounced dead at the scene, with police revealing that four of them had previous police convictions.
  • Assistant chief constable Wayne Fox stated the fast-moving investigation has significant links to serious and organised criminal activity, with arrests made for offences ranging from firearm possession to participating in an organised crime group.
  • The Passat had been pursued shortly before the crash after being linked to a Volvo XC60 used to ram properties in Middlesbrough, and more than £270,000 has since been raised in support of the fallen officers' families.

IN FULL

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.