The hero cops killed in A66 wrong-way smash – as crowdfund web page closes in on £1 million
The country has shown their support to the families of the two innocent police officers who died at the hands of a gang war in Middlesborough.
Tributes have been paid to the hero officers(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
More than three quarters of a million pound have been raised to pay tribute to the two brave gun cops killed when a gang of youths ploughed head-on into their patrol car.
The country has shown their support to the families of Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, who were killed when a Volkswagen Passat hit the marked armed response vehicle, just seconds after a chase from other officers ended.
So far £830,000 has been raised for the families in a fundraiser online. Cole Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak, who were travelling in the Passat, also died instantly in the horror on Saturday.
The officers were killed in the head on smash(Image: Iain Buist/Newcastle Chronicle)
A tribute to the cops online reads: “Tragedy struck these two brave Cleveland Police colleagues in the early hours of 22nd August 2026 – and they paid 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. Cleveland Police Federation are supporting and will continue to support the families of Matt and Tom at this unfathomable moment.
“We are asking for help to support the families of our two colleagues, to assist them in any way as they try to navigate this traumatic time. Any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish.”
PC Matthew Blades
PC Matthew Blades died in the line of duty(Image: Cleveland Police/PA Wire)
A former English teacher, PC Matthew Blades had joined the force to make the world a better place, his family said. Before becoming a police officer, he worked as a teacher at Carmel College.
The school paid tribute to him in a social-media post, describing him as “an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher”. The statement said: “It is with profound sadness that the Carmel College community joins people across our region in mourning the tragic loss of life this weekend.
“We remember with great affection the contribution he made to life at Carmel and give thanks for the difference he made during his time with us.
“Our thoughts and prayers are especially with Matthew’s wife, his two sons, his wider family, friends and colleagues, and with all those who knew and loved him.”
Matthew was a dad of two and his wife paid tribute to the family man, saying the pain of losing him is “beyond words”, and that the family’s lives “will never be the same”.
“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 says in a statement issued through Cleveland Police.
It continued: “The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.
“Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.”He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.”
The statement is signed off: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero.”
PC Tom Clough
PC Tom Clough has been remembered for his sense of humour(Image: Cleveland Police)
PC Tom Clough’s family described him as “our hero with a fantastic [sense] of humour.”
He was someone who “jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason”, the family statement says.
It adds that Clough: “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.”
PC Tom Clough was a former CNC officer, having joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2013 and served until April 2018 as an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) based at Sellafield.
Chief Superintendent Richard Clark, who was Tom’s commanding officer at Sellafield, paid tribute to him:
“I had the privilege of knowing Tom during my time as Chief Inspector at Sellafield, where we worked together on numerous operational deployments and exercises. Tom was the epitome of professionalism, bringing dedication, skill and commitment to every task, whether serving within our Dynamic Search and Interdiction Team, or in his role as a Police Medic.
“Yet what made Tom truly special was his personality. Alongside his professional excellence, he possessed a fun-loving, cheeky nature and a wit that could lift spirits even during the most demanding shifts. He had an extraordinary ability to light up any room he entered and to bring people together through his warmth, humour and authenticity. Tom was a hugely popular CNC officer, respected by colleagues and leaders alike, and it is no surprise that many of those who served alongside him remained close friends long after he left the organisation.
“While his life was far too short, it was undoubtedly one that was lived to the full. Tom will be remembered with immense affection, gratitude and respect, and he will be hugely missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
