The family of PC Matthew Blades, one of two police officers killed in a crash following a high speed pursuit, have said the pain of losing him is "beyond words."
The statement from PC Matthew Blades' family, issued via Cleveland Police, read: "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt - my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys," it said. "He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle" who was "loved beyond words. He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero."
Second officer's family pays tribute
PC Matthew Blades died alongside his colleague PC Tom Clough. The family of PC Tom Clough described him as "our hero" and released a statement saying: "He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. 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".
Five passengers also died
The five passengers inside the Volkswagen Passat also all passed away following the tragic collision. They have been named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.
A police statement read: "Our initial enquiries have established Cleveland Police received intelligence regarding numerous incidents that were linked to a Volkswagen Passat. The Passat, which contained five male occupants, was later sighted and an armed response vehicle began a pursuit of the vehicle.
Analysis of the police vehicle in car footage shows the pursuit lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat travelled onto the A66 in South Bank, against the flow of traffic, at which point the pursuit was aborted by officers and they continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway.
A short time after the pursuit ended, approximately 10 seconds later, the Passat collided with another police vehicle which was not involved in the pursuit but in the area to assist in a search for the Passat believed to be using cloned plates that had activated an ANPR camera.
Investigation underway
It has been confirmed that following the collision at 3.39am, seven people sadly died. As reported yesterday, they included two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: "Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends and all those affected by yesterday's collision., We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community, and offer our condolences.
"We have obtained initial accounts of officers involved in the pursuit, the incident log and in car footage of the incident. Work is ongoing to obtain additional material."
IOPC investigators will continue to review and analyse all the evidence that is available to them. No further comment will be provided at this time.
