A book of condolence is now open for members of the public wishing to pay tribute to the two Cleveland Police officers who died on the A66 in the early hours of Saturday. PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed when their armed response vehicle was struck by a VW Passat travelling the wrong way down the carriageway in South Bank.
Where to leave tributes
Tributes can be left in the reception area of the Civic Centre in Redcar, open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm. Cleveland Police have also confirmed that floral tributes can be placed at the Memorial Garden at Cleveland Police HQ in Hemlington or at any Cleveland Police station.
The Mayor, Cllr Ceri Cawley, has sent a letter of condolence to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, and the flag outside the Civic Centre is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Council and police response
Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "I am deeply saddened by this devastating incident and my deepest sympathies also go to everyone at Cleveland Police who are mourning the death of two colleagues who bravely served the public every day to keep our communities safe."
A spokesperson for Cleveland Police said: "We would like to thank everyone who has passed on their condolences following the tragic deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. If you would like to submit a message of condolence, please use our online form here: https://orlo.uk/eNiKu"
Flower tributes can be left at the Memorial Garden at Cleveland Police HQ in Hemlington or any Cleveland Police station. There is a safe site in front of the South Tees Business Park sign for those wishing to leave flowers close to the scene safely. Donations can be made towards the families via the Cleveland Police Federation page here: https://orlo.uk/24hOG, which is the only official fundraising page.
Investigation and arrests
Cleveland Police has launched a wide-scale investigation into the criminality which took place prior to the fatal crash. Twelve people across Teesside have been arrested - nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61 - on suspicion of several offences, ranging from possession of a firearm to participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
