Vandals have spray-painted foul-mouthed graffiti in support of the five youths who lost their lives in a horror car crash that left two police officers dead. Alongside swear words, the graffiti daubed on community buildings in Middlesbrough repeatedly stated 'RIP The Lads' and also 'Never Be Forgotten'.
Community group pleads for respect
In a message posted on social media, a Tees Valley community interest company pleaded with associates of the dead youths to “respectfully ask that community buildings are not damaged or spray-painted.”
In their post, the community group added: “These buildings are here for the community. They provide activities, support, food, opportunities and safe spaces for children, young people and families across our area every single week.
“We understand that people want to express their emotions and pay their respects, but damaging buildings that are being used to support local residents ultimately impacts the same community we are all trying to look after.”
Fatal crash details
In the early hours of Saturday, a Volkswagen Passat that had been pursued by police travelled the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough and crashed into an oncoming police car - two PCs and all five Passat occupants died.
Cleveland Police said it was investigating "serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident" and has made multiple arrests.
PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died in the crash, as did Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, and 17-year-old Cole Robert Worthy.
Community anger and vigils
The vandalism has provoked fresh anger amongst a community reeling from the loss of two highly-respected officers.
The vandalism was caused on Monday evening, when a community vigil attended by hordes of balaclava-clad youths, many wielding flares and smoking weed joints, was held to commemorate Jacob Matusiak, 23, with fireworks set off and balloons released into the sky - just yards from where PC Clough and PC Blades were killed in the early hours of Saturday.
More vigils for the other dead youths – who had 37 convictions between them – are due to be held throughout the week.
