Tributes have been paid to two police officers who died in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were hailed as brave men serving their community when the collision took place.
The incident, near South Bank in the early hours of Saturday morning, also resulted in the deaths of five people who were in a Volkswagen Passat. The car was travelling on the wrong side of the road when it struck a marked armed response police car.
Chief Constable's tribute
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller, of Cleveland Police, said: "These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift."
"My thoughts and thoughts of everybody here at Cleveland Police are with their family, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Early today the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom’s families to offer our condolences, support one another and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss."
Federation and political reactions
Lauren Somerville, chairwoman of the Cleveland Police Federation, said: "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today. Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not, and that is just unfathomable."
Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency, said: "They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families. Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served."
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: "A horrible and tragic incident in South Bank this morning and my thoughts are with those affected, their families and the emergency services who attended the scene."
National response and investigation
Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote on social media: "Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public."
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "A devastating incident in Teesside this morning in which seven people have died, including two police officers. Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day."
Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said on X: "I just spoke to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police. We ask so much of our officers. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their lives, and their loved ones, friends and colleagues."
The IOPC will lead the investigation into the incident. The A66 remains closed for investigation work.
