MIDDLESBROUGH, England — Seven people, including two Cleveland police officers, died early Saturday in a head-on collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough after a Volkswagen Passat traveling against traffic struck their marked armed response vehicle.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed in the crash. Five occupants of the Passat also died: Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, and Jacob Matusiak, 23.
The Passat is believed to have been using cloned license plates. Police pursued the vehicle for just under seven minutes before it turned onto the A66 against traffic. The pursuit was aborted approximately 10 seconds before the collision occurred at 3:39 a.m. in South Bank.
The police vehicle involved was not directly participating in the pursuit but was in the area to assist in searching for the Passat after it activated an ANPR camera due to its suspected cloned plates.
Cleveland Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described Blades and Clough as "brave officers protecting our communities."
Clough's family issued a statement through Cleveland police, calling him "our hero with a fantastic sense of humour" who "jumped into action whenever needed." The family said Clough "proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place" and was "always on public duty throughout his short life."
Blades had recently joined Seaton Carew FC as a coach for the under-sevens Seahawks team. The football club said on social media that Blades was looking forward to coaching his own son, who was set to play for the team this season. The club extended condolences to Blades' wife, two boys, family and friends.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation following a mandatory referral from Cleveland police. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said thoughts remain with "the family and friends and all those affected" by the collision, acknowledging "the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community."
Home Office Minister Anna Turley and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen offered condolences. Houchen described the incident as "horrible and tragic," recognizing police officers as "heroes who put everything on the line to protect us."
