Tributes have been paid to two Cleveland Police officers who were among seven people killed in a devastating crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed early on August 22 when their marked police vehicle was struck head-on by a Volkswagen Pᴀssat travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 at South Bank.

The five people inside the Pᴀssat also died. They were later identified as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, and Jacob Matusiak, 23.

Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described Blades and Clough as brave officers who were protecting their communities and serving local residents. She said the force was deeply affected by the loss and that both officers had been visited by police leaders’ families to offer condolences and support.

Clough’s family remembered him as a devoted public servant with a strong sense of humour who was always ready to help others. Blades’ wife described him as her beloved husband, best friend and a devoted father to their two young sons, saying his family would carry his memory with them forever.

Blades had also recently joined Seaton Carew FC as a coach and was preparing to coach his young son’s football team, making his loss particularly painful for his family and the local community.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial findings indicated that the Pᴀssat had been pursued by police for several minutes before entering the A66 against the flow of traffic. The pursuit was then aborted, and about 10 seconds later the Pᴀssat collided with the police vehicle carrying Blades and Clough, which had not been directly involved in the pursuit.

The crash has since triggered a wider investigation into suspected serious and organised criminal activity surrounding the events leading up to the collision. Police have also arrested several people as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As tributes continue to be left for the two officers, the tragedy has left Cleveland Police and the wider Teesside community mourning the loss of two colleagues who, according to their families and fellow officers, dedicated their lives to helping others.

Sources: The Guardian