Cleveland Police armed response officer PC Tom Clough, who died in a crash on the A66 in Teesside, has been described as "truly special" by his former boss. PC Clough had previously served with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC), the force responsible for law enforcement and security at nuclear sites.
He died on Saturday alongside his colleague PC Matthew Blades. They were among the seven people who died in the South Bank crash. A Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough collided with the officers' marked armed response vehicle, which had been travelling in the right direction.
Former boss pays tribute to 'professional excellence'
On Monday, PC Clough's former boss, Richard Clark, honoured his "professional excellence" and his "truly special" personality. Clark said he had the privilege of knowing Tom during his time as Chief Inspector at Sellafield, where they worked together on numerous operational deployments and exercises.
Clark described Tom as the epitome of professionalism, bringing dedication, skill and commitment to every task, whether serving within the Dynamic Search and Interdiction Team or as a Police Medic. He added: "Yet 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."
CNC chief extends condolences
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary expressed condolences on behalf of all CNC members towards the families of all those involved in the tragic incident. He acknowledged the impact this will have on those who served alongside both officers in Cleveland Police, adding: "Your wider police family has you in their thoughts and prayers."
A further statement from the CNC said the force was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of PC Tom Clough, PC Matthew Blades, and five members of the public following the road traffic collision in Middlesbrough on Saturday. PC Tom Clough was a former CNC officer, having joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2013 and served until April 2018 as an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) based at Sellafield Operational Policing Unit.
Twelve arrests have been made following the fatalities.
