A fundraiser for the families of two police officers killed in a head-on collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough has raised more than £300,000. The fund was set up by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday and had reached £333,000 by Monday morning.
Officers killed in collision after pursuit ended
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat that had been pursued by police hit their marked armed response vehicle just 10 seconds after the chase was terminated in Teesside. The Passat and its five occupants — Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17 — also died.
Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers' families, and the federation would continue to provide support.
Tributes to the officers
The GoFundMe page said PC Blades and PC Clough "left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public" and paid "the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty". It added: "They did not return home to their families. They leave behind heartbroken loved ones who will struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved one."
The wife of PC Blades paid tribute to her "beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father". In a statement released through Cleveland Police, she said the pain of losing her husband was "beyond words" but that their children would grow up always knowing "what an incredible father" he was.
PC Blades had recently joined Seaton Carew FC as a coach and was looking forward to teaching his son in its under-sevens Seahawks squad. He also coached his eldest son and other youngsters in the under-10s Reds team at FC Hartlepool, which described him as a "role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired".
Family and community response
PC Clough's family described him as "our superhero" and said: "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness." They added: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life."
The family and PC Clough's partner expressed sincere gratitude for the "overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community". Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "devastated" by the news and thanked emergency services for responding in "incredibly difficult circumstances".
