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An initial inquiry into the fatal collision on the A66, which resulted in the deaths of five young men and two police officers, has found no evidence of “tactical contact” or the deployment of a stinger by the police prior to the crash. The incident involved a Volkswagen Passat and a marked Cleveland Police vehicle near South Bank, Middlesbrough, on 22 August, following a police pursuit that was eventually called off.
According to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), there is no indication that officers made contact with the Passat during the chase. The pursuit began at 03:33 BST, lasting just over six minutes before the Passat reduced its speed as it neared the A66. Subsequently, the Passat made a right turn and drove the wrong way along the dual carriageway. The police vehicle, however, did not follow onto the incorrect side of the road. Instead, the pursuing officer switched off the emergency lights and continued along the correct side of the A66.
Seventeen seconds after the Passat’s maneuver, it collided with the police car carrying PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, both of whom lost their lives. The Passat carried five passengers: Michael Robert Cahill, 23; Jakub Matusiak, 23; Makai Saddington, 18; and two 17-year-olds, Theo Rae and Cole Robert Worthy, all of whom also died in the crash. Forensic experts continue to analyze the speeds of both vehicles at the time of impact.
Emily Barry, the IOPC’s director of engagement, emphasized the profound and enduring pain caused by the crash to the families, police force, and the broader community. She acknowledged rumors about the collision’s cause but reaffirmed that no direct physical intervention by police or use of a stinger—a device designed to puncture vehicle tyres—was involved. The IOPC has commissioned two specialist reports, one focused on reconstructing the collision itself and the other assessing the policies that govern police pursuits. Barry noted that a comprehensive investigation will take several months to complete due to the volume of information under review
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