Police abandoned the pursuit of a car seconds before it crashed while traveling the wrong way down a dual carriageway, killing all five occupants and two police officers, investigators have confirmed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated that the force had been pursuing the Volkswagen Passat following reports of numerous incidents linked to the vehicle.

The crash occurred on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17. Also killed were PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who were on the correct side of the road and assisting in a search for the car.

Analysis of footage from a police vehicle indicated the pursuit lasted just under seven minutes. The IOPC reported that officers abandoned the chase when the Passat moved onto the wrong side of the A66. The pursuing officers continued on the correct side of the carriageway, but approximately 10 seconds later, at about 03:39 BST, the Passat collided with the police vehicle carrying PC Blades and PC Clough.

The IOPC has launched an immediate investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the Passat may have been using cloned registration plates, which triggered an ANPR camera. The watchdog is examining the circumstances leading up to and following the collision.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller of Cleveland Police described the event as an "incredibly sad day" and stated that "No one should leave their home and not return safely." She confirmed that she and her deputy chief constable had visited the families of the deceased officers to offer condolences and support.

Politicians, including the prime minister and home secretary, have expressed their devastation. Andy Burnham also conveyed his shock at the news. The Great North Air Ambulance commented that the impact "will be felt across our communities and among all those who responded and supported the emergency response."

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency, called the incident a "tragedy for the community" and the "Cleveland Police family," noting that "seven lives cut short needlessly." She paid tribute to the "bravery" of PC Blades and PC Clough, emphasizing that "no one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift."

Lauren Somerville, chairwoman of the Cleveland Police Federation, also spoke of the profound loss of the officers. The investigation by the IOPC is ongoing, with further details expected as the analysis of evidence continues.