HUNDREDS of police officers have been deployed to Middlesbrough following days of violence in the aftermath of the A66 crash.

The town has been gripped by gang warfare after Saturday’s crash which killed two police officers and five young men.

Investigations have continued after a woman and a seven-year-old girl died in a house fire only a mile away from the crash site amid a string of other incidents.

And in the early hours of Thursday morning, a vehicle crashed into a wall outside a house in Steele Crescent, South Bank, minutes away from the other two scenes.

Following the incidents, Alec Brown, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said more than 200 extra police officers have been, or will be, deployed from around the country to support Cleveland Police.

On social media, he said: “Thank you so much to the superintendent from Cleveland Police that has just taken their time to give updates to myself, Anna Turley (MP for Redcar), South Bank and Grangetown Ward councillors.

“They are working 20-hour days to ensure the ongoing safety of innocent residents.

“Over 200 extra police officers from forces around the country are here and are en route, from detectives to armed response.

“I will be sending a letter today to our Prime Minister asking for even more resource.

“The police really are doing an amazing job.

“If it is any reassurance at all, jobs called in to the police are actually down this week, however, the seriousness of the ones that have been called in need serious and swift action.

“Everyone is heartbroken over the loss of the aunt and little girl in Grangetown yesterday.

“People need to feel safe in their homes.”