A police pursuit ended in a fatal collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough, with all seven people in the two vehicles killed.
WEB DESK: Seven people, including two police officers, have been killed in a horrific road crash near Middlesbrough in northern England during a police pursuit.
The fatal collision occurred on the A66 highway, according to police, after a vehicle travelling in the wrong direction collided with a marked police car travelling in the opposite direction.
Seven people killed in collision
Police said all seven people travelling in the two vehicles died at the scene following the impact.
The crash was described as severe, with emergency services responding to the incident on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
The two police officers were among those killed in the collision.
Vehicle reportedly travelling in wrong direction
According to the initial police account, one vehicle was travelling against the direction of traffic when it collided with the marked police vehicle.
The circumstances occurred during a police pursuit, although authorities have not yet released further details about what prompted the pursuit or why the vehicle was travelling in the wrong direction.
Investigation launched
Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities are expected to examine the events leading up to the collision, including the police pursuit and the movements of both vehicles.
Further details about the identities of those killed and the circumstances of the incident are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
The crash has also highlighted the risks faced by police officers and other road users during high-speed pursuits.
