Seven people including two police officers have been killed in a crash with a car driving the wrong way down a dual-carriageway following a pursuit.

A Volkswagen Passat with five occupants struck an oncoming marked Cleveland Police vehicle on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, at about 03:39 BST.

The BBC understands a pursuit of the car had been called off shortly before the crash, with the police vehicle travelling the right way along the road. The occupants of both cars were pronounced dead at the scene.

The officers have been named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, with Chief Constable Victoria Fuller saying they were "brave officers protecting our communities".

She said it was an "incredibly sad day for Cleveland", adding: "No one should leave their home and not return safely.

"These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn't return home to their families at the end of their shift."

The families of those identified have been informed and were being offered specialist support.

"This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family," Fuller added.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "devastated" by the news and thanked emergency services for responding in "incredibly difficult circumstances".

North East Ambulance Service said it deployed 14 "ambulance resources" amid a huge emergency response earlier.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was opening an investigation.

The watchdog said: "At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began."

The A66 is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories.

The road was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane and the force said it was set to stay shut for the rest of the day.

A police van and a car could be seen at the east side of the road with lights flashing, with two police officers standing at the scene.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

The force said there were still "significant emergency service vehicles" at the scene.

It added: "This is a quickly evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation."

The North East Ambulance Service said: "We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the force had her "support as they work to identify all those involved".

She said: "Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day.

"My thoughts are with all those affected, their families, friends, the emergency services who attended the scene and the wider police family."

Anna Turley, MP for the local Redcar constituency, said she was "deeply saddened" and also thanked emergency services.

Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey called it an "unimaginable loss" and said "few words [could] bring comfort" to those affected. (BBC)

Update news