- Cleveland Police have arrested seven more men, bringing the total number of arrests to 24 following an operation targeting organised crime after the fatal A66 crash.
- The head-on collision on the A66 claimed the lives of seven people, including serving police officers PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, alongside five young men.
- The latest suspects were detained on suspicion of offences including arson, criminal damage with intent to endanger life, Class A drug supply, threats to kill and possession of criminal property.
- Officers seized £15,000 in cash, Class A drugs and a Mercedes car during recent vehicle stops and searches across the Cleveland area.
- Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland confirmed hundreds of extra officers have been deployed and stated a separate fatal house fire in Middlesbrough is not linked to the collision.
IN FULL
