Twelve people arrested in connection with crash that killed two police officers

Twelve people have been arrested by officers investigating the events leading up to the crash on the A66 which killed seven people, including two police officers.

Some of those held over the A66 investigation are suspected of “participating in the activities of an organised crime group” Cleveland Police said, adding that four of those killed in the car which hit the police vehicle had previous police convictions.

Police said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, were arrested over alleged criminality leading up to the collision for offences include possession of a firearm and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.

The force said on the morning of the collision, it received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously.