The Independent Office for Police Conduct has said its initial investigation found no evidence of 'tactical contact' by police before a fatal crash on the A66. The probe also found no use of a stinger device ahead of the incident.
According to GB News, the crash killed PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, along with four other people who were in a Volkswagen being driven the wrong way down the road.
Outlets differed slightly in how they described the nature of the contact examined. The Independent and GB News reported the watchdog found no evidence of 'tactical contact', while BBC News and BBC Sport described the finding as no 'deliberate' or 'direct contact' to stop the car.
Sky News and BBC News both reported that a stinger device was not used by police before the crash, according to the watchdog's findings.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Independent reported the watchdog found no evidence of 'tactical contact' before the fatal crash.
“No evidence of ‘tactical contact’ before fatal A66 crash, police watchdog finds” — The Independent
Center
- Sky News and BBC News reported no stinger device was used by police before the crash, per the watchdog.
- BBC News and BBC Sport described the finding using the terms 'deliberate' and 'direct contact' respectively.
- BBC Sport specified the crash location as near Middlesbrough.
“No stinger was used by police before the fatal A66 crash, an initial investigation reveals.” — BBC News
Right
- GB News named the two police officers killed, PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37.
- GB News reported four other people also died, who were in a Volkswagen driven the wrong way down the road.
- GB News noted the story was developing, marking it 'MORE TO FOLLOW'.
“The police watchdog has found no evidence of "tactical contact" ahead of a crash along the A66 which killed two officers.” — GB News
Questions readers ask
What happened in the A66 crash investigation?
The Independent Office for Police Conduct carried out an initial investigation and found no evidence that police used tactical contact, such as a stinger device, before a fatal crash on the A66.
Who died in the A66 crash?
According to GB News, PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died in the crash along with four other people who were in a Volkswagen.
Did police use a stinger device before the crash?
No. Sky News and BBC News both reported that the watchdog's investigation found no use of a stinger device by police before the crash.
Why does this investigation matter?
The crash killed two police officers and four other people, and the watchdog's findings address whether police tactics contributed to the fatal incident.
Sources · 5 outlet reports
- The IndependentLeft-leaningNo evidence of ‘tactical contact’ before fatal A66 crash, police watchdog finds
- BBC NewsCenterNo 'deliberate' contact to stop car in A66 crash
- BBC SportCenterMiddlesbrough A66 crash no 'direct contact' from police
- Sky NewsCenterTactical contact not used by police before A66 crash that killed seven, watchdog says
- GB NewsRight-leaningPolice watchdog finds no evidence of 'tactical contact' before A66 crash which killed two officers