The cortege carrying PC Tom Clough's coffin, topped with his police helmet and draped with the Union flag, passed representatives from every police force in the country as it made its way down the tree-lined approach to Kirkleatham Walled Garden near Redcar in North Yorkshire. A lone Scottish piper played the Skye Boat Song, and four horses led the procession as standards from all 43 police forces in England and Wales were lowered alongside those from Northern Ireland and the Royal British Legion.
Life of service remembered
His former colleagues from Cleveland Police HQ wiped away tears as they stood alongside army personnel. His family told how he "proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place and was always on public duty throughout his short life." PC Clough, 38, spent six years serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, latterly as a lance corporal with the 11th Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment (Royal Logistic Corps).
Hundreds of mourners heard of his lifetime of service, which ended when he was killed alongside his friend and colleague PC Matthew Blades, whose service was held with full police honours in Hartlepool, Co Durham, the previous day. Both were much-loved members of the Matrix team of responders. They lost their lives when a VW Passat containing five youths struck their armed response vehicle head-on at high speed in the early hours of August 22 on the A66 near Middlesbrough.
Family tributes and public support
PC Clough's family told how he would give "everyone his everything," serving in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and British Transport Police as well as the army before joining the Cleveland force as an armed response officer. He was a partner, brother and son, and loved his sausage dog, Frank.
Lauren Somerville, chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, said his family wanted to thank the public for the 'outpouring of love' which has 'kept them going over the past few weeks'. She added: "They wanted people to know that he was not just a police officer, he was a partner, a brother and a son. He was so full of fun and most importantly, he deeply loved his sausage dog, Frank."
There was total silence save for the distant sound of traffic as military and police pall bearers carried the coffin into the walled garden for a humanist ceremony. In a statement, PC Clough's family said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour who jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason."
Mourners pay their respects
Hundreds of mourners, many in police uniform, filed into the garden for the funeral service, as members of the public watched in respectful silence. Software consultant Paul Duce, 57, of Kirkleatham, said: "You can sum up why I am here in one word. Respect. I have so much respect for the two officers who lost their lives. PC Clough served his country and then served his community. We should never forget the job that these officers do."
Vicki Smith, 72, a retired pharmacy assistant also from Kirkleatham, added: "I think all the police officers present can be proud. That was a beautiful tribute to him." Anita Tinsley, 55, of Redcar, said: "I come from a police family, my dad was an inspector, so I know the worry that every officer’s loved ones feel when they go to work. Sadly, these two young men paid the ultimate price for their service and it’s only right that they are remembered in the right way. I wanted to come along to pay my own respects and to show that the police are valued. The turnout today shows that the vast majority of people feel the same."
Brian Dunn, 89, and wife Iris, 87, took a train, bus and then walked from their home in Stockton to pay their respects. Mr Dunn, who said he was proud to have done national service, said: "It is heart-warming to see so many people here." Mrs Dunn said: "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."
Service attended by officials
The service was attended by Policing Minister Sarah Jones, fellow Home Office Minister and Redcar MP Anna Turley, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Cleveland Chief Constable Victoria Fuller, who paid tribute at the service. Chief Superintendent Richard Clark, Tom’s commanding officer at Sellafield Operational Policing Unit, described him as the 'epitome of professionalism'. He said PC Clough brought "dedication, skill and commitment to every task, whether serving within our Dynamic Search and Interdiction Team, or in his role as a Police Medic". He added: "What made Tom truly special was his personality. Alongside his professional excellence, he possessed a fun-loving, cheeky nature and a wit that could lift spirits even during the most demanding shifts."
Jakub Matusiak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Cahill, 23, Cole Worthy, 17, and Theo Rae, 17, were also killed in the A66 crash. Michael Cahill's funeral took place in County Durham today. He was buried alongside his father, and he was the last of the five to be laid to rest.
