Tributes to officers killed in A66 crash
The families of two police officers killed in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough have paid emotional tributes, describing them as heroes. PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died in the early hours of Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway collided with their marked armed response vehicle.
PC Clough's family said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life."
PC Blades' wife described him as her "superhero" and "the most devoted father to our two young boys". In a statement, she said: "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt – my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys. He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled."
She added that he "gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness", and that the pain of losing him is "beyond words".
A man who knew PC Clough called him a "true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer".
The crash and the investigation
The crash happened on the eastbound A66 in South Bank at about 03:39 BST on Saturday. Five people travelling in the Passat were also killed: Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak. All seven were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the Passat had been involved in a police pursuit. Cleveland Police received intelligence relating to "numerous incidents" linked to the car, which had activated an ANPR camera and was believed to be using cloned plates, according to the watchdog.
An armed response vehicle began pursuing the Passat, but the chase lasted "just under seven minutes" before the car drove onto the A66 against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the pursuit and continued on the correct side of the carriageway. Approximately 10 seconds later, the Passat collided with the vehicle carrying PC Blades and PC Clough, who were not involved in the original pursuit but had been called to the area to assist with the search.
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell offered condolences, saying: "We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community." The IOPC has obtained initial accounts, the incident log, and in-car footage, with work ongoing to gather additional material.
Fundraising response
A fundraiser set up by the Cleveland Police Federation for the families of the two officers has been met with an overwhelming response. The GoFundMe page surpassed £300,000 and had reached £333,000 by Monday morning, according to multiple reports. The initial target of £7,000 was raised to £200,000 and then to £400,000 as donations poured in.
The federation said the money would be split equally between the two families, and that it was supporting them "at this unfathomable moment". In a message on the page, the federation wrote: "PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed police officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public. They paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."
A second crowdfunder for the families had raised more than £27,600, as reported by several outlets.
Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said the force was "completely numb" and "staggered" by the public's reaction, describing it as a "phenomenal show of support".
Community reaction and tributes
A silent prayer vigil was held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday, and floral tributes have been laid at the scene. A group of uniformed police officers stood in silence as they laid a floral tribute, according to a BBC reporter at the scene.
PC Clough served with British Transport Police from 2018 before transferring to Cleveland Police. BTP Chief Constable Lucy D'Orsi said he was "a brilliant police officer who was committed to helping others", adding that the loss of two officers in the line of duty was "an unspeakable tragedy".
PC Clough was also a former officer with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), having joined in 2013 and served until April 2018 as an Authorised Firearms Officer at Sellafield. The CNC's Chief Constable Simon Chesterman offered his condolences, saying: "Tom had previously served with the CNC, and we know his loss will be felt deeply by those who served alongside him."
PC Blades, who was married with two young sons, had recently become a coach at Seaton Carew FC, where he was due to coach his own son's team. FC Hartlepool and Guisborough Rugby Club also paid tribute.
Perspectives
Family of PC Clough
The family described PC Clough as "our hero" with "a fantastic sense of humour", who "proudly fought for his country" and was "always on public duty throughout his short life". They expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, colleagues, and the community.
Wife of PC Blades
PC Blades' wife called him her "beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys", and a "superhero". She said he gave his life in the line of duty with "courage, dedication and selflessness", and that his greatest legacy would be "the love he gave to his family".
Cleveland Police Federation
The federation, which organised the fundraiser, described both officers as "dedicated and committed" and said they paid "the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty". Chair Lauren Somerville said the force was "completely numb" but "staggered" and grateful for the public's support.
Community members
Some community members expressed grief for the five young men who died, with one attendee at a balloon release saying "Jakub was a lovely, caring lad". However, others criticised the gathering, with one grandmother calling it a "mockery of the lives of those two policemen". The MP for Redcar, Anna Turley, said the community faced challenges but praised police for "battling away extremely hard" to keep people safe.