Hundreds of mourners gathered on Thursday to pay their final respects to PC Tom Clough, the former serviceman who died alongside his colleague in a collision on the A66. The 38-year-old ex-soldier, who served in Afghanistan, was remembered for his remarkable sense of humour and as someone who gave "his everything for everyone".
A hush descended outside Kirkleatham Walled Gardens, near Redcar, as four police horses guided the hearse along the flag-adorned route. As a solitary bagpipe started to play, there was a palpable sense of profound sorrow combined with extraordinary pride, appreciation and reverence.
Procession and tributes
His coffin was covered with a Union Jack flag, with his police helmet placed on top. Standard-bearers from forces nationwide lowered their flags in a poignant display of respect, while the funeral procession was accompanied by soldiers in ceremonial uniform and veterans wearing their medals. Officers, both active and former, were accompanied by emergency service personnel and members of the community, who bowed their heads in a solemn gesture of respect.
Floral tributes including a poppy wreath were positioned beside the coffin. During the procession, a number of officers were spotted wearing badges on their uniforms bearing the fallen officers' names and collar numbers.
Colleagues' tributes
Speaking ahead of the funeral, Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said: "The family want everyone to know that the public's support has brought them so much comfort. Tom was deeply loved by his colleagues."
Ms Somerville described Tom, who was 'so full of fun', as a devoted partner, son and brother, as well as the "father" of his cherished sausage dog, Frank. She went on to say: "Tom used to say there wouldn't be anyone at his funeral and he couldn't have been more wrong. Tom was described as giving his everything to everybody."
Career and community support
Following his departure from the Army, PC Clough joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, serving at Sellafield in Cumbria, before moving on to the British Transport Police and ultimately Cleveland Police, where he served as an armed response officer. A fundraiser established for the families of both officers raised in excess of £1.2m, with nearly 44,000 donors contributing as the tragedy resonated deeply across Teesside and beyond.
In tribute to PC Clough following his death, his family said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. He jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason."
"He proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place, and was always on public duty throughout his short life. We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community."
Mourners' reflections
Crowds of mourners lined the streets for the funeral cortege, paying tribute to the fallen officer and his fellow colleagues. Bill Alexander, 73, from Redcar, explained: "He wasn't only a police officer but a veteran as well, same as me. That's why I have come today."
Recalling the moment he learnt of the tragedy, he added: "It was just unbelievable when you see two police officers had been killed. I'm glad to see so many people here. To give him a good send off and pay their respects."
Another Redcar resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We have family who are in the police force that have served and are serving. We wanted to come here to show our respects."
"It's absolutely devastating. It just brings all your fears to the forefront. We've still got friends in the police and now their children are in the police." Her companion remarked: "It's so senseless. A lot of the public don't realise what the police do on a day to day basis."
Brian Dunn, 89, and his wife Iris, 87, travelled by train, bus and on foot from their Stockton home to attend the service. Mr Dunn, who expressed pride in having completed national service, observed: "It is heart-warming to see so many people here." Mrs Dunn explained: "We both felt it was important to be here. The police work so hard, they do their best, and it is never appreciated, we all know that."
Geoff made the journey from Newton Aycliffe to pay his respects on Thursday. The 80-year-old remarked: "It makes you feel emotional for what happened. It was horrendous. We're here for the families. They were young men who haven't come home."
The previous day, hundreds also gathered in Hartlepool to bid a final farewell to father-of-two PC Matthew Blades.
