Cleveland Police have officially named the five people who died when a car travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 collided with a police patrol vehicle, also killing PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
Victims identified
Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash between a Volkswagen Passat - travelling the wrong way down the carriageway - and a police car at 3.39am on Saturday. The five males who died in the VW Passat have been named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and 18-year-old Makai Saddington.
A police spokesman said: "Family Liaison Officers are continuing to work with the families all of those who sadly lost their lives in the collision."
Online videos emerge
It emerged on Sunday that at least one of the deceased had previously posted videos on TikTok showing him recklessly speeding. In one clip, filmed in May by a passenger and set to rap music, an 18-year-old is seen in an Audi being driven at speed through a housing estate with a police car's blue lights flashing in pursuit. The vehicle is then seen veering across a playing field in an apparent attempt to shake off the pursuers.
Another video on an account associated with him shows a green Nissan being driven around before being set alight, while separate images posted elsewhere show him and a friend posing in cars wearing black balaclavas, reports the Mirror.
Investigation and tributes
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. Ring doorbell footage shows that at 3.36am the car was driven at speed through Middlesbrough's streets before officers halted the chase when the vehicle turned on to the A66.
Tributes have continued to be paid to the two officers. Makai's aunt, Sharon Morgan, wrote on social media: "Today is a day I never thought I would have to face. I'm heartbroken to say that we lost my beloved nephew today our Makai. There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life."
Last night a football club where PC Blades was a coach paid tribute. They posted: "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." The club added: "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."
