// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Multiple deaths after police vehicle and car crash during pursuit
Part of the A66 was expected to remain closed for the rest of Saturday, Cleveland Police said
Multiple people have died in a crash involving a police vehicle and a car following a pursuit, police have said.
The collision involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, at about 03:39 BST, Cleveland Police said.
North East Ambulance Service said 14 "ambulance resources" attended and "a number of patients died at the scene".
A police spokesman said: "Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. We are working to identify the victims and contact their families."
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was opening an investigation.
The watchdog said: "At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began."
Police said they were working to identify the victims and contact their families
The A66 is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories.
The road was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane and the force said it was set to stay shut for the rest of the day.