Seaton Carew FC has paid tribute to one of its coaches, PC Matthew Blades, who was killed in the fatal crash on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
PC Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway collided with their marked armed response vehicle, which was going in the right direction. In total, seven people died.
Police pursuit details
Officers from Cleveland Police spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. It is understood the police vehicle PC Blades and PC Clough were travelling in was not part of the pursuit.
Club's tribute to coach
Posting on social media on Sunday, a spokesperson for Seaton Carew FC said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that Seaton Carew FC shares the devastating news of the passing of one of our coaches, Matty, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident while carrying out his duties as a police officer."
"Matty had only recently joined our club as a coach and was preparing for his first season with our brand-new U7 Seahawks team. He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season."
"Matty and his oldest son are much-loved member of our club and our U10 Lions football family. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time."
Flags at half mast
"We also stand alongside Matty’s colleagues and friends within the police service, who have tragically lost members of their force. All club flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect."
"From everyone at Seaton Carew FC, thank you, Matty, for choosing to become part of our club. You will always be remembered as one of our own."
