‘Multiple people’ have died in a collision involving a police vehicle near Middlesbrough.

A number of people were killed in the crash on the A66 in South Bank, North Yorkshire, in the early hours of Saturday morning, 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.”

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.

Police have yet to confirm the number of fatalities.

Anna Turley, the 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.”

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.