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.”

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.

A police van and a car could be seen at the east side of the road with lights flashing, with two police officers standing at the scene.

Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

The force said there were still “significant emergency service vehicles” on the scene.

It added: “This is a quickly evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation.”

The North East Ambulance Service said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene,” the service said.

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

Anna Turley, MP for the local Redcar constituency, said she was “deeply saddened”.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected,” she said.

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