Multiple people have died in a collision involving a police vehicle near Middlesbrough, police said.
A number of people died at the scene of the crash in the early hours of Saturday morning on the A۶۶ in South Bank, North Yorkshire, according to local authorities.
“Around ۳.۳۹am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A۶۶ in South Bank,” a Cleveland police spokesperson said.
“Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene and the road will remain closed for some time.”
North East ambulance service said it had been called to a two-vehicle crash and sent ۱۴ units to the scene including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North air ambulance service.
Police have yet to confirm the number of fatalities.
Anna Turley, the MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A۶۶ this morning. My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident.
Police have said they are working to identify the victims and contact their families, adding the incident was “quickly evolving”. The A۶۶ remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston.
“There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene and the road will remain closed for some time,” police said.
