Condolences left for "brave officers who made ultimate sacrifice" in fatal A66 crash

Heartfelt tributes have been left to the "brave officers" after they were killed in the line of duty, PC Matthew Blades and Tom Clough.

Condolences left for "brave officers who made ultimate sacrifice" in fatal A66 crash

(Image: OWEN HUMPRHIES/ PA)

Heartfelt tributes have been left to the "brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice" after they were killed in the line of duty.

Flowers and messages have been placed at Cleveland police station and at the scene of the A66 crash where PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough lost their lives.

One tribute left at the police station read: "Tommy, Bladesy, You will be remembered as two of the very best. I am proud of you both and you will be forever missed. I don't have the words to describe the loss we all feel. Genuine, real-life heroes. - M."

Flowers at the Cleveland Police HQ Memorial Garden in Middlesbrough, following the line-of-duty deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

(Image: OWEN HUMPRHIES/ PA)

Another said: "PC Matthew Blades, PC Tom Clough, you will be missed, never forgotten. Rest in peace."

A third message said: "There are no words to convey the sadness we all feel at the tragic loss of Tom and Matt. We are all thinking about you and their families and the weight of grief you are carrying. POLIT"

Flowers at the Cleveland Police HQ Memorial Garden in Middlesbrough, following the line-of-duty deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

(Image: OWEN HUMPRHIES/ PA)

Tributes have also been left at the A66 crash scene.

One message read: "Thinking of everyone affected by this heart breaking loss. Behind every uniform is a person with a life, family, friends and people whose lives they have touched along the way. With our deepest sympathy and respect."

Another said: "Thinking of all emergency services and professionals dealing with the aftermath. For PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough and their families, friends and colleagues. Thank you for you service and our thoughts are with you all."

A further tribute read: "To the brave officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of duty, heroes."

Flowers at the Cleveland Police HQ Memorial Garden in Middlesbrough, following the line-of-duty deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

(Image: OWEN HUMPRHIES/ PA)

The Mayor, Cllr Ceri Cawley, has also sent a letter of condolence to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police.

The flag outside the Civic Centre is flying at half-mast as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives.

Cllr Alec Brown, Leader of the council, said: "I am deeply saddened by this devastating incident and my deepest sympathies also go to everyone at Cleveland Police who are mourning the death of two colleagues who bravely served the public every day to keep our communities safe."

Cleveland Police has launched an online book of condolence, while Redcar and Cleveland Council has opened its own book for members of the public to leave tributes.

Flowers at the Cleveland Police HQ Memorial Garden in Middlesbrough, following the line-of-duty deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

(Image: OWEN HUMPRHIES/ PA)

READ MORE:

  • Fundraisers for families of police officers killed in A66 crash hits more than £750k

  • Tributes pour in for 'heroes' PC Blades and PC Clough after A66 tragedy

  • Tributes continue to pour in for 'hero' police officers who were killed in A66 crash

    Flowers at the Cleveland Police HQ Memorial Garden in Middlesbrough, following the line-of-duty deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

(Image: OWEN HUMPRHIES/ PA)

The council said members of the public can leave tributes in the reception area of the Civic Centre in Redcar, Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.

Condolences can also be sent by email to Condolences@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk

A fundraising drive launched by Cleveland Police Federation to support the officers' families has now passed £993,772 at the time of publication.

It reads: "PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Police Officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.

"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."