The two sons of a police officer killed in the A66 collision led Manchester United out as mascots on Sunday. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, from Cleveland Police, died when a Volkswagen Passat hit the marked police armed response vehicle they were in.
The Passat was fleeing from officers and travelling the wrong way on the A66 in South Bank when the collision occurred at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22. The five occupants of the Passat were also declared dead at the scene: Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak. Cleveland Police confirmed its officers have been investigating alleged organised crime, and 24 individuals have been arrested.
Tribute at Old Trafford
Manchester United included a tribute to PC Matthew Blades in their matchday programme prior to their Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town on Sunday. They portrayed him as a proud Red, a dedicated family man and a police officer who committed his life to serving others.
His wife Sarah and their two boys were invited to Old Trafford for the match. The youngsters led the squad onto the pitch as mascots, walking alongside captain Bruno Fernandes and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, reports Teesside Live.
A photograph of PC Blades with his two sons at Old Trafford appeared in the programme. There was also a tribute from an unnamed close friend and colleague which stated: "For Matthew, United was a lifelong love, a passion he shared with his family. Since Matt's tragic death there has been an extraordinary outpouring of grief and support. That love has been seen in countless tributes and acts of kindness. Today, we remember a fellow Red. A husband. A father. A son. A brother. A friend. A police officer. A man who gave his life in the service of others. Forever our superhero."
Football tributes across the country
On Saturday, Middlesbrough honoured the two officers at the Riverside Stadium, where Boro fans applauded PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough ahead of the 12.30pm home fixture against West Bromwich Albion. Players from both sides lined up to clap as images of the fallen officers were displayed on the stadium screen. Supporters from both clubs were seen on their feet, applauding in a powerful display of solidarity over their heartbreaking deaths.
At Hartlepool United's match against Eastleigh FC on Friday, two police helmets were placed on the pitch to honour each officer, as a two-minute silence was observed. It also came to light on Friday that King Charles had personally written to the officers' families, acknowledging that they had made the 'ultimate sacrifice'.
Fundraiser nearing £1.2 million
A fundraiser established in memory of the two officers is fast approaching £1.2 million, with a remarkable 42,000 people having contributed to the appeal, which stood at £1,168,000 at the time of publication. The GoFundMe page was set up by the Cleveland Police Federation, with the proceeds to be divided between the families of both officers.
