A TEAM of detectives is investigating how a van came to be overturned on the A66 after reports it had been involved in a high-speed chase with another vehicle.

Police were called out to the crashed Vauxhall Vivaro on the eastbound carriageway near South Bank, Middlesbrough at 11.45pm on Friday night.

Witnesses said that two occupants of the van - one of whom may have been injured - had been seen leaving the scene before police arrived.

Following an initial investigation, officers believe that the van may have been involved in a high-speed chase with another vehicle before it crashed.

A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said its Collision Investigation Unit has examined the scene and officers are conducting a number of enquiries in the local area, including viewing CCTV.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the pursuit or any suspicious activity along the stretch of road to contact police.

Detective Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: “A team of detectives have been dedicated to the investigation to find out the circumstances of the collision.

“We are conducting a number of lines of enquiry in the local area.

“I’m appealing for anyone with information to come forward, no-matter how brief the information is as it could assist in determining what has happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.