More than £250,000 has been raised for the families of two police officers who were killed in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
Officers killed in wrong-way crash
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 seconds after the chase was stopped in Teesside early on Saturday (August 22). The Passat was travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway.
Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were also pronounced dead at the scene in the early hours smash in South Bank.
Fundraisers exceed £250,000
A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday reached £228,000 early on Monday, with organisers stating funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support. A second crowdfunder for the families had raised more than £27,600.
Cleveland Police launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to 'numerous incidents' linked to a Passat, which activated an ANPR camera and is believed to have been using cloned plates, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. PC Blades and PC Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat.
Families pay tribute
On Sunday evening, PC Blades' wife said that the pain of losing her husband was 'beyond words' and that the lives of her and her children will 'never be the same'. In a statement issued by Cleveland Police she said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt – my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.
“He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.
“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication, and selflessness. The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.
“Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.”
Earlier PC Clough’s family said in a statement he was 'our hero' who was 'always on public duty.' Their statement, also issued by Cleveland Police, read: “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.
“We as a family and Tom’s partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”
Tributes for the five young men
Tributes for the five young men were also shared on social media, with many of their friends saying they 'can’t believe it' and were 'heartbroken' and 'lost for words'. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at different locations, including in South Bank.
