Friends of the five young men killed in a head-on crash with a police car are planning balloon releases in their memory, including near the crash site. Michael Cahill, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington all died instantly in the crash on Saturday morning.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38 – who were not in pursuit of their Volkswagen Passat – were also killed in the collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
Memorial events scheduled across four days
Memorial events for the five youths, who Cleveland Police have said may have had links to organised crime groups, have been announced for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at different locations, including in South Bank, close to where the crash happened, reports the Daily Star.
The force has also confirmed it has arrested nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, into alleged criminal activity before the crash.
Social media tributes and balloon releases
One message, dedicated to all five, said: "We all knew use [sic] and knew use [sic] had hearts of gold and most loyalist [sic] lads."
Another social media message reads: "We have been made aware that there are two balloon releases taking place for two much loved young lads, Cole and Jacob. Both are happening at the same time and date."
It adds: "Please feel free to go to whichever one you would like to attend but if you can please take an extra balloon so both boys are remembered and both families feel your love and support."
The message continues: "There are also balloon releases arranged for Theo makai and Michael full details for each will be posted below this post so everyone is aware and can show their support for all five families."
Timings for each memorial
A balloon release in memory of Cole Worthy is due to take place at 5pm on Monday. At the same time, a memorial for Jakub Matusiak is due to be held in South Bank.
One for Theo Rae will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, balloons will be released in memory of Makai Saddington on Wednesday at 6pm, while Michael Ray will be remembered by the helium-filled tributes on Thursday.
It comes as more than £250,000 has been raised for the families of the two police officers who died when the Passat crashed into their vehicle as it was travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway.
A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday reached £228,000 early on Monday. Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support.
