Cleveland Police have arrested seven more people as part of an escalating crackdown on suspected organised crime across Middlesbrough, bringing the total number detained to 24.
The latest police action saw £15,000 in cash seized and suspects arrested over alleged offences including threats to kill, arson, criminal damage and drug offences.
The arrests form part of a major investigation launched following last Saturday’s A66 crash, which killed seven people, including two serving police officers.
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox vowed the force’s “relentless pursuit of suspected organised criminals will not waver”.
Read Also: Charlie Kirk's suspected killer pleads not guilty as judge keeps death penalty on table
Read Also: Britain set to escape Donald Trump's looming tariff blitz as EU braces for fresh levies
He said: “This latest disruptive activity now brings the total number of arrests to 24 since the investigation commenced.
“Three of those arrested throughout the course of this week have been charged with serious offences and two men have been recalled to prison.
“This robust approach demonstrates our commitment and determination to pursue those who we believe are intent on causing serious violence and harm to our communities.
“Be assured, our relentless pursuit of suspected organised criminals will not waver.”
Three men, aged 23, 30 and 42, were among those arrested in the latest police operation.
The 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill.
A 42-year-old was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and possession of criminal property, while the 30-year-old was detained on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
All three have since been released on conditional bail.
Police also seized £15,000 in cash.
Four other men, aged 21, 25, 35 and 40, were arrested after officers stopped a Mercedes on Kingsley Road in Grangetown at around 10.30pm on Thursday.
CRIME – READ THE LATEST:
- Pakistan rejects appeals to take back Rochdale grooming gang ringleader
- House fire which killed girl, 7, and her aunt not linked to A66 crash, Cleveland Police confirms
- Man who wore top mocking Hillsborough tragedy jailed over rape and sexual assault
Officers seized a quantity of Class A drugs as well as the Mercedes.
The four remained in police custody to be questioned on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life, arson and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
The criminal damage allegation relates to an incident in the early hours of Thursday when a vehicle was allegedly driven into a wall at a property on Steele Crescent in South Bank.
The suspected arson offence relates to a caravan which was set alight on Atlee Road at around 5.30am on Wednesday.
The arrests come amid a major operation targeting serious and organised crime, with hundreds of armed officers descending on Middlesbrough following the fatal A66 collision.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died after a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway collided with their police vehicle.
The five people travelling in the Passat – Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jakub Matusiak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17 – were also killed.
Cleveland Police previously said its investigation had identified “significant links to serious and organised criminal activity”.
Mr Fox urged residents to continue reporting suspected criminal activity to officers.
He said: “I want to encourage anyone who believes serious violence and organised crime is taking place in their neighbourhood to report it so we can keep on taking action.”
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
