The five males who died when their car crashed into a police vehicle on the A66 near Middlesbrough have been named. Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18, all died in the collision early on Saturday.
Collision details
The Volkswagen Passat they were travelling in collided with a marked police armed response vehicle on the A66 in South Bank. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were also killed in the crash and had been driving in the correct direction.
Cleveland Police said: “Family Liaison Officers are continuing to work with the families all of those who sadly lost their lives in the collision.”
Prior social media videos
Our sister title, the Mirror, has reported how at least one of the group had previously posted videos of him on TikTok recklessly speeding. In one clip, filmed in May by a passenger and set to rap music, an 18-year-old is seen in an Audi being driven at speed through a housing estate with a police car's blue lights flashing in pursuit.
The vehicle is then seen veering across a playing field in an apparent attempt to shake off the pursuers. Another video on an account associated with him shows a green Nissan being driven around before being set alight, while separate images posted elsewhere show him and a friend posing in cars wearing black balaclavas.
Investigation and tributes
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. Ring doorbell footage shows that at 3.36am the car was driven at speed through Middlesbrough's streets before officers halted the chase when the vehicle turned on to the A66.
A football club where PC Blades was a coach paid tribute. They posted: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that Seaton Carew FC shares the devastating news of the passing of one of our coaches, Matty, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident while carrying out his duties as a police officer.
“Matty had only recently joined our club as a coach and was preparing for his first season with our brand-new U7 Seahawks team. He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season. Matty and his oldest son are much-loved member of our club and our U10 Lions football family.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.
“We also stand alongside Matty’s colleagues and friends within the police service, who have tragically lost members of their force. All club flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect.
“From everyone at Seaton Carew FC, thank you, Matty, for choosing to become part of our club. You will always be remembered as one of our own. Rest peacefully, Matty. Forever a part of the Seaton Carew FC family.”
