Seven people, including two police officers, have died in a horrific head-on car crash near Middlesbrough, England.
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The incident unfolded in the early hours of Saturday morning after a vehicle traveling the wrong way along the A66 collided with a marked police car.
The two officers killed have been named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.
The five people traveling in the other vehicle were identified as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.
Car Crash Leaves Seven Dead Near Middlesbrough
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local community and across the United Kingdom.
Anna Turley, the Home Office minister and local Redcar MP, described the deaths as "devastating" and offered her condolences to those affected.
"All of us in the community here are sending our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically," she said.
"I do want to place on record my tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough. The bravery that we see from our police officers every day, every night is incredible. No one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift."
Police said officers initially spotted a vehicle acting "suspiciously", which was later identified as a Volkswagen Passat.
A pursuit reportedly followed before officers abandoned the chase after the Passat began driving dangerously on the wrong side of the road.
At around 3:39 a.m., the vehicle collided head-on with a marked armed response car. The police vehicle was traveling in the correct direction, with Blades and Clough inside.
Investigation Launched Following Fatal A66 Collision
The Great North Air Ambulance confirmed that its critical care team responded to the fatal collision.
"The impact of this devastating incident will be felt across our communities and among all those who responded and supported the emergency response," a statement read.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has since provided further details surrounding the events leading up to the crash.
According to the watchdog, the Passat had been linked to "numerous incidents". Armed response officers then located the vehicle and began a pursuit lasting just under seven minutes.
Investigators believe the car was using cloned registration plates "that had activated an ANPR camera".
The circumstances surrounding the pursuit and subsequent collision are now under investigation.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "devastated" by the deaths of the two police officers. As well as five members of the public.
Burnham also urged the public and media "to avoid speculation at this time". This is as authorities continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
