More than £750,000 has been raised for the families of two officers who were killed when a car driving the wrong way on the A66 collided WITH their vehicle.
Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated.
Five people travelling in a Volkswagen Passat also died at the scene.
A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday has reached nearly £800,000 early on Tuesday.
Organisers said funds raised will be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation will continue to provide support.
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You can donate to the fundraiser here: https://gofund.me/07bf7241c
Tributes at the scene
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Cleveland Police launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, which activated an ANPR camera and is believed to have been using cloned plates, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
PC Blades and PC Clough were not involved in the original pursuit but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat.
His family said: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.”
Pc Clough
(Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
She said: “He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.
“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.”
Pc Blades
(Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”
Before becoming a police officer, PC Blades worked as a teacher at Carmel College in Darlington.
The school paid tribute to him, describing him as “an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher”.
They said: “We remember PC Matthew Blades, who was a much loved and highly valued member of staff at Carmel before leaving teaching to begin a new vocation of service as a police officer.
"Many within our community will remember Matty as an intelligent, kind and approachable teacher, a valued colleague and someone who gave generously of himself to the young people in his care.”
Scene of multiple fatality RTC on the A66 at in South Bank, Middlesbrough. 23.8.2026 Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Notrhern Echo
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
A silent vigil was held at St John the Evangelist Church on Monday evening to mourn the seven people who lost their lives.
It comes after police said five young men who died after their vehicle hit a police car on a dual carriageway may have had links to “serious and organised criminal activity”.
Scene of multiple fatality RTC on the A66 at in South Bank, Middlesbrough. 23.8.2026 Photograph: Stuart Boulton/The Notrhern Echo
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
On Monday, Cleveland Police said 12 other people have been arrested over alleged criminality leading up to the crash in Teesside.
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Community raises more than £500,000 for 'hero' police officers killed in A66 crash
Five who died in A66 crash may have had links to ‘organised criminal activity’
Four of five young men who died in devastating A66 crash had previous convictions
Tributes at the scene
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm and involvement in organised crime.
Cameron George, 26, of Micklow Close in Redcar, has been charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of criminal property.
The A66 has since fully reopened.