More than £1 million has been raised for the families of two police officers who died in a crash on Teesside. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, of Cleveland Police, were killed in the collision on Saturday.
A Volkswagen Passat collided with a marked police armed response vehicle at 3.39am on Saturday. The Passat was evading police and heading in the wrong direction on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough.
Fundraising appeal surpasses £1 million
An online fundraising page was set up three days ago to raise money for the families of the two officers. More than £1 million has now been raised on the Go Fund Me page.
The online appeal says: "PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Police Officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public. Tragedy struck these two brave Cleveland Police colleagues in the early hours of 22nd August 2026 - and they paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."
It adds: "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."
Five people in Passat also died
The five people in the Passat were also pronounced dead at the scene. They were Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak.
There have been 17 people arrested following the crash. A 19-year-old man, from Redcar, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
A 26-year-old man, from Redcar, was charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs. He was also charged with possession of criminal property.
Investigation links to organised crime
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said: "This has been and continues to be a fast moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity. The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect."
