Seven people, including two police officers, died in a crash near Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday, Cleveland police have said.

The police regulator has launched an investigation after the collision, it has been confirmed.

The crash happened on the A66 in South Bank, North Yorkshire, in the early hours of Saturday, according to local authorities.

“Around 3.39am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 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.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the crash, said officers from the Cleveland force had spotted a suspicious vehicle. A pursuit began and the car travelled on to the A66 where it collided with a police car at 3.39am.

The watchdog said investigators had been sent to review evidence, and that they were working with police to establish the circumstances of the collision. The investigation was opened on Saturday after a mandatory referral from the Cleveland force.

North East ambulance service said it had been called to a two-vehicle crash and sent 14 units to the scene including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North air ambulance service.

A spokesperson said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene.

“We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.”

Police have yet to confirm the number of fatalities.

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the fatal collision on the A66 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.

“Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident.

“We would ask everyone to avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time.”

Police said they were working to identify the victims and contact their families, and that the incident was “quickly evolving”. The A66 remains closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston.