Twelve people have been arrested after a deadly Middlesbrough crash that killed seven people, including two police officers. Cleveland Police said the arrests followed the fatal collision in Teesside.
The suspects include nine men and three women. Their ages range from 19 to 61.
Police arrested them on suspicion of several offences. These include suspected involvement in the activities of an organised crime group.
Seven People Die in Middlesbrough Collision
The fatal crash happened at around 03:30 BST on Saturday.
A Volkswagen Passat collided with a marked police car. Two police officers died in the crash.
Five people in the other vehicle also lost their lives.
The deaths have prompted a major police investigation across Teesside.
Twelve People Arrested Across Teesside
Cleveland Police confirmed that officers have arrested 12 people in connection with the investigation.
The group consists of nine men and three women. Their ages range from 19 to 61.
Police have not disclosed all details of the allegations. However, the arrests include suspicion of offences linked to an organised crime group.
Investigators are continuing to establish the events that led to the collision.
Four Victims in Other Car Had Previous Convictions
Police said four of the five people in the Volkswagen had previous convictions.
Those individuals were aged between 17 and 23.
One of them was Makai Saddington, 18. He had previously pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer.
A video posted on TikTok last year also appears to show Saddington involved in what looks like a police car chase.
Police have not said that the video directly relates to the fatal crash.
Colleagues Remember Two Police Officers
The crash also claimed the lives of two Cleveland Police officers.
PC Tom Clough, 38, has been remembered by colleagues as a fun-loving person.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, also received tributes from people who knew him during his earlier career at a college.
He was described as intelligent and kind.
The tributes have highlighted the impact of the officers’ deaths on their colleagues and wider communities.
Police Continue Middlesbrough Crash Investigation
Cleveland Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
The arrests form part of a wider investigation into the crash and related suspected offences.
Investigators are expected to examine evidence from the vehicles, witnesses and other sources as they establish what happened before the collision.
The deaths of seven people, including two police officers, make the investigation one of the most serious incidents currently facing the force.
Further Details Expected From Police
The 12 arrests mark a significant development in the investigation. However, police have not yet established all the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Authorities are continuing to gather evidence and assess the information available.
The investigation will determine whether further arrests or charges follow.
