The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)'s investigation into the incident remains in its "very early stages", says its director of investigations Nicola Marfleet.

"This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance," she says in a statement.

She adds that "when someone dies following police contact" it is mandatory that the incident is referred to the IOPC for investigation.

"Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Cleveland Police is cooperating with our enquiries," she adds.

Seven people have died in a crash on the A66 near Middlesborough in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Here's what we know:

• Seven people are dead, including two serving Cleveland Police officers, the force reports
• The crash occurred on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, at about 03:39 BST
• The collision involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat that police say was travelling the wrong way
• All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene

What we don't know:

• The Independent office for Police Conduct says it understands officers "sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began" - but we do not know the full circumstances that led to the collision
• The identities of the seven people who died have not yet been released

Police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) says it understands Cleveland Police "sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began" before the fatal crash.

In a statement, the IOPC says it is "investigating the circumstances of a fatal road traffic collision in Middlesbrough following a pursuit involving Cleveland Police officers.

It adds: "The car travelled onto the A66 in South Bank and collided with a police car at 3.39am. We can confirm that sadly multiple people have died in the collision."

The IOPC says its investigation began following a mandatory refferal from the force at 06:03 BST.

Image source, Getty Images

Reacting to the news, Redcar MP Anna Turley says her "heart goes out to every family, friend and loved one now facing the most unimaginable loss".

"Cleveland Police have confirmed that seven people have sadly lost their lives. Their families and loved ones are now facing an unimaginable loss that will be felt forever," she writes on X.

"Two of the seven people who have lost their lives were Cleveland Police officers, on duty serving our community.

"They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families. Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served."

Turley adds that the force is now investigating the incident alongside the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

North East Ambulance Service says it sent "14 ambulance resources" to the scene.

This included "emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service".

The service says it sends "condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event" and thanks everyone for "all they did to help".

Pictures show emergency services near the site of the crash, where a police road block is in place.

Here are some of the latest images coming through:

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

The Volkswagen Passat involved in the fatal crash with a police vehicle was travelling the wrong way down the A66, according to Cleveland Police.

In a statement, the force says: "Cleveland Police can confirm that seven people have died as a result of a collision in South Bank at 3.39am this morning (Saturday 22 August).

"This includes two serving Cleveland Police officers who were in a marked police vehicle and five members of the public who were travelling in a Volkswagen Passat.

"The Passat was travelling the wrong way along the A66 and collided with a police vehicle that was travelling on the same road in the right direction.

"Sadly, all occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. The families of those identified have been informed and are being offered specialist support."

Here is the full statement from Cleveland Police's Chief Constable Victoria Fuller following the deaths of seven people including two police officers in a crash in Teesside:

“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."

Two police officers have died following a collision on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, at about 03:39 BST, police say in a statement.

Five members of the public travelling in a Volkswagen Passat were also killed.

The Passat was travelling the wrong way along the A66 and collided with the police vehicle that was travelling on the same road in the right direction, the statement says.

We’ll bring you more on this story shortly.