Pc Tom Clough, 38, and Pc Matthew Blades, 37, both died when a Volkswagen Passat hit their marked armed response vehicle
The families of the two officers killed after a car travelling the wrong way along the A66 dual carriageway collided with their police vehicle have issued heartbreaking tributes to the men.
Pc Tom Clough, 38, and Pc Matthew Blades, 37, both died when a Volkswagen Passat, which had been pursued by police, struck their marked armed response vehicle in Teesside in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Five males aged between 17 and 23 who were travelling in the Volkswagen also died in the collision.
PC Clough’s family said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police: “He was our hero with a fantastic 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.”
The wife of PC Matthew Blades, 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.
“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. He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.
“We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives. The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express.
“Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten.
“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”
The circumstances surrounding PC Clough’s death were referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which confirmed on Sunday that neither PC Blades nor PC Clough had been involved in the original pursuit, but had instead been deployed to the area to assist in locating the Passat.
Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” connected to the Passat, the watchdog stated in its account of events.
The vehicle, which was carrying five occupants and was believed to have been fitted with cloned number plates, was subsequently spotted after the plates triggered an ANPR camera, the IOPC added. An armed response vehicle initiated a chase lasting just under seven minutes before the Passat turned on to the A66 in South Bank, travelling against oncoming traffic.
Officers called off the pursuit and continued along the correct side of the carriageway.
The Passat collided with the vehicle carrying Pc Blades and Pc Clough approximately 10 seconds after the chase was abandoned.
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell extended his sympathies to all those affected, saying: “We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community, and offer our condolences.
“We have obtained initial accounts of officers involved in the pursuit, the incident log and in-car footage of the incident.
“Work is ongoing to obtain additional material.”
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