Two Officers Die in A66 Collision Involving Wrong-Way Driver

Pc Tom Clough, 38, and Pc Matthew Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat, traveling against traffic, struck their police vehicle. Five males, identified as Michael Ray, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Worthy, 16, Jakub Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18, who occupied the Volkswagen, also died in the crash.

The collision occurred in South Bank at 3:39 am, shortly after a police pursuit of a 'suspicious vehicle' had reportedly commenced. Cleveland Police had received intelligence related to 'numerous incidents' linked to the Volkswagen Passat before the fatal incident.

Ring doorbell footage captured a car speeding down a residential road, followed by police vehicles, moments before the crash. The car involved was believed to be using cloned plates, a detail the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also noted.

Pc Clough and Pc Blades were not involved in the initial pursuit; they were reportedly responding to assist. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the crash, reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Cleveland Police lowered flags to half-mast at their Middlesbrough headquarters. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller stated, "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."

Lauren Somerville of Cleveland Police expressed the profound grief felt, stating, "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today." Ben Houchen, Mayor of Tees Valley, commented, "Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us, and I know all of Teesside will want to pay tribute to the officers and other emergency service workers involved for the bravery they have shown in responding to this incident."

Pc Clough's family described him as a "hero with a fantastic sense of humour," adding, "Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life." The wife of Pc Matthew Blades shared her sorrow, stating, "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."

Seaton Carew FC noted that Matty and his oldest son are "much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family." Friends of the five young men expressed being "heartbroken" and "lost for words" following the tragedy.

Makai Saddington, one of the young men killed, had reportedly posted TikTok videos appearing to show him taking part in high-speed police chases. A GoFundMe page, established by Cleveland Police Federation, has raised over £30,000 for the families of the two officers, with funds to be split equally.

Separately, a second crowdfunder had reportedly raised over £12,500 of its £20,000 target for Pc Clough and Pc Blades' families. The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston following the incident, causing significant disruption.