A fundraiser launched for the families of two Cleveland Police officers killed in the A66 crash has reached £1 million.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat which had been pursued by police collided with their marked armed response vehicle seconds after the pursuit was terminated.
Five people travelling in the Volkswagen Passat also died at the scene.
The fundraiser, created by Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday, reached £1 million today.
Floral tributes left at the scene of the A66 crash
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Organisers said money raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families, while the federation would continue to provide support.
You can donate here.
Cleveland Police launched the pursuit after receiving intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
The watchdog said the vehicle was believed to have been using cloned registration plates, which activated an automatic number plate recognition camera.
PC Blades and PC Clough were not involved in the original pursuit but had been called to the area to assist in the search for the Passat.
They 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)
PC Blades’ wife described him as “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”.
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.”
She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”
PC Blades
(Image: CLEVELAND POLICE)
Before joining Cleveland Police, PC Blades worked as a teacher at Carmel College in Darlington.
It 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.”
A silent vigil was held at St John the Evangelist Church on Monday evening to mourn the seven people who died.
In the days since the tragedy, floral tributes, balloons and handwritten notes have been left at the crash site.
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)
It comes after police said the five young men who died in the Passat may have had links to “serious and organised criminal activity”.
Four of them had previous criminal convictions and were believed to be associated with another car, a Volvo XC60, which was seen ramming properties earlier that morning.
The Volvo, which police said was also using cloned plates, was later traced and recovered in Middlesbrough.
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)
Two of the 17 people arrested have since been charged.
Floral tributes left at the scene of the A66 crash
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Kai Beattie, 19, of Foxrush Close in Redcar, has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (August 25) morning.
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Cameron George, 26, of Micklow Close in Redcar, was also previously charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, and possession of criminal property.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court on September 21, charged with drugs offences and possession of criminal property.
Inquests into the deaths of all seven people who died are due to be opened on Thursday (August 27).