12 people arrested as part of investigation into South Bank A66 crash

Cleveland Police made the arrests in connection with the fatal collision that claimed seven lives, including two police officers.

On August 22, officers received multiple reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously in Middlesbrough.

One of the cars, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was seen ramming into properties, while a Volkswagen Passat was thought to be linked to the incident.

Both vehicles were using cloned number plates to avoid detection but were identified by the force’s automated number plate recognition system.

The Volvo was later traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the ongoing investigation.

Throughout the weekend, Cleveland Police, supported by officers from Durham, Northumbria, and North Yorkshire, worked to piece together the events leading up to the crash.

Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.

“The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect.

“We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident and to bring all those responsible to justice.

“Our robust response will continue in the weeks and months to come, as we continue to tackle those that seek to cause harm to our communities and tackle serious and organised crime.”

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.

Cleveland Police said there is currently no evidence to suggest the incidents were filmed for TikTok.

The force also confirmed that four of the occupants of the Passat had previous police convictions.

Assistant Chief Constable Fox praised the efforts of officers and staff during the investigation.

He said: “Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy.

“Two of their colleagues lost their lives while serving the people of Cleveland and, while the impact will be felt by our people for a long time to come, they have continued to act with the upmost professionalism.

“I am also extremely grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from the public of Cleveland and our wider police family.”

The crash occurred on the A66 in South Bank at 3.39am on Saturday (August 22).

All seven occupants of the vehicles – two police officers and five members of the public – were pronounced dead at the scene.

The two police officers were named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.

The five men who died in the Passat were named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.

Following the tragedy, a memorial has been created near the crash site, including floral tributes, balloons and handwritten notes.

Cleveland Police said members of the public can leave tributes at Cleveland Police HQ.

They said: “Flower tributes can be left at the Memorial Garden at Cleveland Police HQ in Hemlington or any Cleveland Police station.

“There is a safe site in front of the South Tees Business Park sign if you would like to leave flowers close to the scene safely.”

A silent prayer vigil will be held in South Bank today (August 24) to remember the seven people who lost their lives.

St John the Evangelist Church will open its doors from 4pm until 8pm, giving people the opportunity to light a candle, say a prayer or simply sit quietly and reflect.

A fundraiser, which was created for the families of the two officers who lost their lives, has surpassed £400,000.

Tributes have been pouring in for those who lost their lives.

The family of Pc Tom Clough said: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.

“Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.

“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.”

Pc Matthew Blades’ family said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt — my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.

“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.

“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.”

Anna Turley, MP for Redcar and Cleveland, said: “My heart goes out to every family, friend and loved one now facing the most unimaginable loss following this morning’s devastating accident on the A66.

“Cleveland Police have confirmed that seven people have sadly lost their lives. Their families and loved ones are now facing an unimaginable loss that will be felt forever.

“Two of the seven people who have lost their lives were Cleveland Police officers, on duty serving our community. They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families. Their loss will be felt deeply by their loved ones, fellow officers and right across the communities they served.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear that two police officers and five members of the public had been killed in the crash.

He posted on X: “Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public.

“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police.

“Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time.”

Crime and policing minister Sarah Jones said “we ask so much of our officers”.

She said on X: “I just spoke to the Chief Constable of Cleveland Police. We ask so much of our officers.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their lives – and their loved ones, friends and colleagues. I can only imagine the devastation they must be feeling.