The community of Teesside is in mourning following the deaths of two Cleveland Police Constables following a head-on collision on the A66 near South Bank, close to Middlesbrough.
The PC’s who were killed were named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.
Five male youths also died in the crash when they were travelling the wrong-way down the A66 after a police pursuit had ended.
The fatal crash occurred during at 3.39am on Saturday morning. Several investigations have begun because of the collision. The deaths have left families, colleagues and communities across the region facing a profound loss.
Emergency services from across the region responded to the scene. All seven people involved in the crash were pronounced dead at the scene.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, was remembered as a dedicated police officer who had committed himself to serving and protecting the public. His death has prompted grief throughout Cleveland Police, with colleagues mourning the loss of a fellow officer killed while carrying out his duties.
PC Tom Clough, 38, was also killed in the collision. His death has similarly affected colleagues and members of the wider policing community, who are now remembering his service and the contribution he made as an officer.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the deaths as an incredibly sad event and paid tribute to the two officers. “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies.”
“These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents. Who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift. My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone at Cleveland Police, are with their families, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
Earlier today, the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom’s families to offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.” The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision because of the involvement of a police vehicle.
