Multiple people have died following a serious collision involving a police vehicle on the A66 near Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Emergency services were called to the A66 at South Bank at around 3.39am today (22 August) following a collision involving three vehicles.

Cleveland Police said a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat were involved in the crash, which has resulted in multiple fatalities.

North East Ambulance Service confirmed a number of patients were pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of emergency crews.

The precise number of people who have died has not yet been confirmed.

A major emergency response remains at the scene, with 14 ambulance resources deployed, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, the Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service.

The A66 is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane, and police have warned that the road is expected to remain shut for some time while investigations continue.

Cleveland Police said: “Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene, and the road will remain closed for some time.

“The public are asked to use alternative routes.

“We are working to identify the victims and contact their families. This is a quickly-evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation.”

North East Ambulance Service added: “Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.

“We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”

Police are working to identify those who died and inform their families.

This is a developing incident and further information is expected to be released.