An initial independent investigation into a tragic collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough has found no evidence of police tactical contact or the deployment of a stinger device prior to the incident. The August 22 crash resulted in the deaths of two Cleveland Police officers and five young men traveling in a Volkswagen Passat.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) released its preliminary findings regarding the head-on collision at South Bank, which followed an abandoned police pursuit.
Timeline of the Abandoned Pursuit
According to the IOPC, the police pursuit began at 03:33 BST on August 22. In-car footage and analysis showed that the pursuit lasted for six minutes and 12 seconds before the driver of the Volkswagen Passat slowed down, braked heavily as it approached the A66, turned right, and began traveling in the wrong direction down the dual carriageway.
The watchdog confirmed that the pursuing police driver immediately terminated warning lights and did not follow the Passat onto the wrong side of the roadway. Instead, the police vehicle stayed on the correct side of the dual carriageway. The fatal collision with another marked police vehicle occurred approximately 17 seconds later.
Victims of the Middlesbrough Crash
The tragic accident claimed the lives of seven individuals:
- PC Matthew Blades, 37, a Cleveland Police officer
- PC Tom Clough, 38, a Cleveland Police officer
- Michael Robert Cahill, 23
- Jakub Matusiak, 23
- Makai Saddington, 18
- Theo Rae, 17
- Cole Robert Worthy, 17
PC Blades and PC Clough were inside a marked police vehicle traveling on the correct side of the road and were not involved in following the Passat when the head-on impact occurred.
Watchdog Statement and Ongoing Investigation
IOPC Director of Engagement Emily Barry addressed public speculation surrounding the circumstances of the crash, emphasizing the thoroughness required for the ongoing inquiry.
"We are aware there is speculation regarding how the collision occurred," Barry stated. "There is no suggestion the collision was a result of any direct police contact, nor was a stinger used by the police in an attempt to stop the Passat."
A stinger is a portable spike strip deployed by law enforcement to puncture vehicle tires. Investigators have confirmed no such device was utilized.
The IOPC has commissioned two specialized expert reports to assist with the ongoing inquiry. One report focuses on collision reconstruction to evaluate vehicle speeds. The other assesses the policies and procedures governing police officers during vehicle pursuits. Because of the vast volume of digital evidence, forensic data, and expert testimonies requiring rigorous review, the watchdog warned that the comprehensive investigation will take several months to complete.
