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Two Cleveland police officers tragically lost their lives in a collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough after being struck by a car traveling the wrong way. PC Matthew Blades, aged 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were remembered as courageous individuals who dedicated themselves to safeguarding their communities. The incident, which occurred early on Saturday at 03:39 BST, also claimed the lives of five occupants in the Volkswagen Passat, believed to be young people in their late teens to early twenties; their identities have not been released.
According to reports, a police pursuit involving the Volkswagen had concluded prior to the crash, with the police vehicle involved simply present in the South Bank vicinity at the time of impact. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the collision. Security footage from a Middlesbrough residence showed police vehicles tailing a car minutes before the crash, but the chase had reportedly ended before the fatal crash occurred.
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller expressed profound sorrow over the event, emphasizing the heartbreak felt across Cleveland. She remarked, “No one should leave their home and not return safely.” Fuller and her deputy visited the families of the deceased officers to convey condolences and offer support as they grieve such a devastating loss. Politicians, including members of parliament and officials at the national level, shared their sympathies. Andy Burnham, among others, described the news as “devastating.”
Local representatives and community leaders reflected on the gravity of the tragedy. Anna Turley, the MP representing the area where the crash took place, mourned the needless loss of seven lives and praised the bravery shown by the officers involved. Similarly, councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin expressed their deep sadness, while Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen called it a “horrible and tragic incident” and paid tribute to the courage of the emergency workers. Lauren Somerville, chairwoman of the Cleveland Police Federation, highlighted the profound impact on the police family, stating, “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today.”
The IOPC director of investigations, Nicola Marfleet, offered condolences to the families and everyone affected, including emergency responders. Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Matt Storey, urged the public to await the results of the official investigation and cautioned against spreading unverified information on social media. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed this call for patience and respect as the inquiry unfolds. Meanwhile, the A66 road itself, a critical route through Teesside and surrounded by industrial sites, remained closed following the crash as authorities continued their work
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