Families release pictures of police officers killed in A66 crash in which five others died

Families Release Photos of Officers Killed in A66 Crash

Wanderstayfinder.com – Cleveland police have released pictures of two officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who died when a car travelling the wrong way on the A66 collided head-on with their marked armed response vehicle. The crash, which took place near Middlesbrough on Teesside early on Saturday, killed seven people in total, including two 17-year-old boys. Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were in a Volkswagen Passat believed to be fitted with cloned number plates at the time of the impact.

Tributes and Family Statements

Blades, 37, and Clough, 38, had been driving in the correct direction when the collision occurred. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described them as “brave officers protecting our communities.” Clough’s relatives called him “our hero with a fantastic sense of humour” and someone who “jumped into action whenever needed, and [was] willing to help anyone for any reason.” In a statement issued through the force, they added that he had “proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place” and expressed “sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”

“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.”

Blades’ wife, who has not been named, continued: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness. The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade. Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always. He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.” She closed with: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero.”

Seaton Carew FC, a local football club, confirmed that Blades had recently joined as coach of the under-sevens Seahawks team and was preparing for the season. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.”

Investigation and Official Response

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) opened an investigation into the circumstances of the 3.39 am crash in South Bank following a mandatory referral from the force. Initial inquiries indicated that the Passat had been pursued by officers for just under seven minutes before it turned onto the A66 against the flow of traffic. At that point the pursuit was aborted, the IOPC confirmed. Approximately ten seconds later, the vehicle struck another unit that was not involved in the chase but was in the area assisting with a search for the Passat, which had triggered an ANPR camera because of its suspected cloned plates.

Derrick Campbell, the IOPC director of engagement, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends and all those affected by yesterday’s collision. We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community, and offer our condolences.”

Anna Turley, Home Office minister and MP for Redcar, called the event “devastating” and said the whole community was “reeling.” “All of us in the community here are sending our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically,” she said. “I do want to place on record my tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough. The bravery that we see from our officers every day, every night is incredible. No one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift.” She added that it was important to thank the emergency services for their rapid response on the morning of the crash.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where did the A66 crash occur?

The collision took place at approximately 3.39 am on Saturday near South Bank, Middlesbrough, on the A66 motorway in Teesside.

How many people died in the incident?

Seven people were killed: two Cleveland officers (PC Blades and PC Clough) and five occupants of a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the carriageway.

What is the IOPC investigating?

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is examining the circumstances leading to the crash, including the short pursuit of the Passat and the conditions under which the second unit was positioned on the road.

What happened to the officers’ families?

Both sets of relatives issued public tributes through the force. Blades’ wife spoke of losing her husband and two young boys’ father; Clough’s family and partner described him as a hero and expressed gratitude for community support.