A fundraising appeal for the families of two police officers killed in a wrong-way crash on the A66 has surpassed £300,000. The initiative, launched by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday, had reached £333,000 by Monday morning.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died after their marked police car was struck head-on by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough. The Passat had been under police pursuit and collided with their vehicle just moments after officers stepped down from the chase.
Funds to be split equally between families
Organisers confirmed that proceeds would be divided equally between both officers' families, with the federation pledging ongoing assistance. The GoFundMe page stated that PC Blades and PC Clough "left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public", with both men paying "the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."
"They did not return home to their families. They leave behind heartbroken loved ones who will struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved one," the appeal continued. Cleveland Police Federation confirmed they are providing support and will maintain their commitment to the families throughout this extraordinarily challenging period.
Details of the crash
Five occupants of the Passat also died in the crash: Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17. Cleveland Police initiated the pursuit following intelligence about "numerous incidents" connected to the Passat, which triggered an ANPR camera and is suspected to have been fitted with cloned registration plates, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Merely 10 seconds following the conclusion of the chase, the Passat smashed into the vehicle occupied by PC Blades and PC Clough. The pair had not been participating in the pursuit but had been dispatched to the locality to aid in locating the Passat.
Tributes to the officers
PC Blades' wife has expressed heartfelt remembrance of her "beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father". In a statement issued via Cleveland Police, she described the anguish of her husband's loss as "beyond words", yet affirmed their children would forever understand "what an incredible father" he had been.
"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," she said. He had lately taken up a coaching position at Seaton Carew FC and was anticipating instructing his son within its under-sevens Seahawks squad, the club confirmed. The officer additionally coached his elder son and fellow youngsters in the under-10s Reds team at FC Hartlepool, which characterised him as a "role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired".
PC Clough's family meanwhile paid tribute, calling him "our superhero" and stating: "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness." The family of the father-of-two went on to say: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense 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." Prime Minister Andy Burnham described himself as "devastated" upon hearing the news, while also extending his thanks to the emergency services for their response under "incredibly difficult circumstances".
