Multiple people have died following a serious crash involving a police vehicle and a car on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, police have confirmed.

The collision happened at about 03:39 BST and involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat. Cleveland Police said the incident followed a pursuit after officers spotted a vehicle they considered suspicious.

The North East Ambulance Service said 14 ambulance resources attended the scene. Several patients died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.

Cleveland Police said officers were working to identify those who died and inform their families.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane following the crash. Police said the road was expected to remain closed for the rest of the day while emergency services continued their work at the scene.

Images from the area showed a police vehicle and a car on the eastern side of the road, with emergency lights operating. Officers were also seen at the scene as the investigation continued.

Motorists have been advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes. Police said a significant number of emergency service vehicles remained at the scene.

The force urged members of the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the crash while enquiries were ongoing.

The North East Ambulance Service expressed its condolences to everyone affected by the incident and thanked those who assisted at the scene.

Redcar MP Anna Turley said she was deeply saddened by the deaths and offered her condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. She also praised emergency service workers who responded to the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, with police and the IOPC working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the pursuit and subsequent collision.