A powerful farewell unfolded in Redcar as hundreds of police officers, Army veterans and members of the public gathered at Kirkleatham Walled Gardens to pay tribute to PC Tom Clough.

The 38-year-old Cleveland Police officer was d#ed alongside PC Matthew Blades in the A66 crash on August 22. Tom’s funeral brought together colleagues and former military comrades from across his years of service.

Standard bearers lowered their flags as the funeral procession pᴀssed, while veterans wearing their medals stood alongside soldiers in ceremonial dress. Tom’s coffin was draped in the Union Flag, with a police helmet placed on top.

Tom had served in the British Army from 2006 to 2012 before continuing his career in policing, including with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, British Transport Police and eventually Cleveland Police.

His colleagues described him as deeply loved and someone who “gave everything to everybody.” Hundreds turned out — far more than Tom himself had once imagined would attend his funeral.

For Teesside, the farewell became more than a funeral. It was a public expression of graтιтude for a man remembered by colleagues, veterans and the community he served.

🕊️ A final salute for Tom — and a reminder of how many lives he touched.

Sources:

• ITV News – Police and Army veterans gather in Redcar for funeral of PC Tom Clough