More than £500,000 raised for families of two police officers killed in crash

More than half a million pounds has been raised for the families of two police officers killed in a dual carriageway crash.

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when their marked armed response vehicle was hit by a car driving the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday for the two officers’ families reached £487,000 on Monday.

Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families, and the federation would continue to provide support.

A second crowdfunder for the families, started by former Cleveland Police officer Paul Cooper, raised more than £36,000.

Tributes to the two officers killed in a dual carriageway crash have described them as a devoted father and football coach, and a fantastic former soldier who fought proudly for his country.

PC Blades, 37, was a married father-of-two and dedicated football coach in his spare time.

He had recently joined Seaton Carew FC as a coach and was looking forward to teaching his son in its under-sevens Seahawks squad, the club said.

The officer also coached his eldest son and other youngsters in the under-10s Reds team at FC Hartlepool, which called him “a role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired”.

PC Blades’s wife called him “our superhero”, and said: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.”

In a statement issued by Cleveland Police, she called him “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”.

The officer’s wife said he was “an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle”.

“He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled,” she said.

“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.”

Former soldier PC Clough, 38, was described by his family as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”.

They said he “jumped into action whenever needed, and (was) willing to help anyone for any reason”.

The family statement added that he “proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place”.

It continued: “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.”

A man who knew PC Clough called him a “true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer”, in a tribute on social media.

PC Clough’s commanding officer from his time serving with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) in Sellafield paid tribute to him as the “epitome of professionalism” who also had a “fun-loving, cheeky nature”.

The CNC said PC Clough joined in 2013 and served until April 2018 as an authorised firearms officer based at Sellafield Operational Policing Unit.

During his service with the CNC, he spent time as a temporary sergeant, and trained as a dynamic search officer, a member of the interdiction team, a police medic and an operational firearms commander.

Chief Superintendent Richard Clark said: “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.”

PC Clough also spent more than three years with British Transport Police (BTP) before moving to Cleveland in 2022.

BTP said he was a well-known and respected colleague, starting at Euston in 2018 before moving to Darlington and later transferring to Cleveland Police.

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Tom was a hugely respected former British Transport Police officer who dedicated over three years to our force.

“He is remembered as a brilliant police officer who was committed to helping others, and for the kindness and humour he brought to those around him at work.”