Cleveland Police Pursuit Ends With Seven Killed, Including Officers Matthew Blades And Tom Clough

Based on observed and directly verified facts by our journalists or by informed sources. Police would have initiated a pursuit after detecting a suspicious vehicle, and after the car entered the A66 road in the opposite direction, it collided with a police patrol car. Seven people, including two police officers, died this Saturday in the head-on collision between a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on a road near Middlesbrough in northeast England, the police reported. Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner Victoria Fuller told the media that the Police detected a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began, after which the car entered the A66 in the opposite direction and collided with a police patrol car that was travelling in the correct direction, before 4:00 local time (5:00 peninsular time). She added that this loss affects “the communities, our police family, and our partner agencies. They were brave officers who protected our communities and served our neighbors, and who did not return home to their families at the end of their shift.” Fuller stated that the two officers who died were Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, though she did not provide their ages. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which oversees police work, is investigating the circumstances of the deadly crash. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “deeply shocked” by the deaths of two officers and five civilians. “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those affected, as well as with the entire Cleveland Police force. My thanks to the emergency services who intervened in extremely difficult circumstances,” the Labour leader wrote on his X social media account. “I urge the public to avoid speculation at this time,” he added. The Northeast Ambulance Service (NEAS) reported that it received a call about a crash between two vehicles and dispatched 14 units to the scene, including paramedics. “Unfortunately, despite the efforts of all teams present, several people died at the scene. We extend our condolences to all those affected by this tragic incident and thank all for their help,” said an NEAS spokesperson.

7 people, including 2 police officers, die following a head-on collision in northeast England Seven people, including two police officers, have died in a head-on collision in the northeast of England following a pursuit LONDON -- Seven people, including two police officers, died early Saturday in a head-on collision in the northeast of England following a pursuit. Cleveland Police said a Volkswagen Passat carrying five members of the public was traveling the wrong way down the A66 highway near Middlesbrough and collided with a police vehicle on the same road going in the right direction. The seven people were pronounced dead at the scene after the crash at 3:39 a.m. Police are still working to formally identify some of them. The families of those already identified have been informed and are being offered specialist support, police said. Local lawmaker Anna Turley said Cleveland Police are investigating the accident, alongside the Independent Office for Police Conduct. “It is crucial that we respect that process and avoid speculation at this deeply painful time,” she said.

LOS ANGELES -- A prolonged police chase through Southern California's San Fernando Valley came to a dramatic end on Friday morning when a wrong-way driver crashed head-on into an California Highway Patrol cruiser. The pursuit was ongoing shortly after 10:30 a.m. local time as the driver of a black 2025 Honda Accord made their way along surface streets after exiting the 101 Freeway. At least four Los Angeles Police Department cruisers were following close behind. Whether any passengers were in the car was unclear. Shortly before 11 a.m. the driver entered the 405 Freeway in Encino and headed northbound through North Hills amid light traffic. The car exited the freeway in Mission Hills, drove under the freeway and then used an exit ramp to reenter the freeway. The driver made a U-turn on the freeway and headed south on the 405. Moments later, the sedan again got off the freeway in North Hills and stopped briefly at a gas station, at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and Aqueduct Avenue. The chase continued after an LAPD patrol vehicle pulled into the gas station. In a bizarre twist, a person on a motorcycle at one point engaged the fleeing vehicle, driving alongside it as the helmeted rider gestured toward the suspect. Around 11:15, the sedan stopped at an intersection and the motorcycle rider approached it, attempting to open the front passenger-side door before the suspect behind the wheel drove away. The pursuit then proceeded into a parking structure on the campus of Cal State Northridge. Officers chased the car through the structure and out onto surface streets. Shortly before 11:30, the fleeing sedan was T-boned by an innocent driver at an intersection in Granada Hills. The suspect drove away from the crash site, and minutes later, at least one of the Honda's tires blew out after possibly driving over a spike strip. But the chase continued on surface streets, with the driver refusing to pull over. The saga finally came to an end less than 10 minutes later, when the Honda crashed head-on into a California Highway Patrol SUV on the 405 Freeway. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was quickly tackled by several officers. Details about the alleged burglary were not immediately available.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A prolonged police chase through the San Fernando Valley came to a dramatic end on Friday morning when a wrong-way driver crashed head-on into an CHP cruiser on the 405 Freeway. The pursuit was ongoing shortly after 10:30 a.m. as the driver of a black 2025 Honda Accord made their way along surface streets after exiting the 101 Freeway. At least four Los Angeles Police Department cruisers were following close behind. Whether any passengers were in the car was unclear. At one point, the driver of the Honda - a burglary suspect - was seen doing drugs. Shortly before 11 a.m. the driver entered the 405 Freeway in Encino and headed northbound through North Hills amid light traffic. The car exited the freeway in Mission Hills, drove under the freeway and then used an exit ramp to reenter the freeway. The driver made a U-turn on the freeway and headed south on the 405. Moments later, the sedan again got off the freeway in North Hills and stopped briefly at a gas station, at the intersection of Nordhoff Street and Aqueduct Avenue. The chase continued after an LAPD patrol vehicle pulled into the gas station. In a bizarre twist, a person on a motorcycle at one point engaged the fleeing vehicle, driving alongside it as the helmeted rider gestured toward the suspect. Around 11:15, the sedan stopped at an intersection and the motorcycle rider approached it, attempting to open the front passenger-side door before the suspect behind the wheel drove away. The pursuit then proceeded into a parking structure on the campus of Cal State Northridge. Officers chased the car through the structure and out onto surface streets. Shortly before 11:30, the fleeing sedan was T-boned by an innocent driver at an intersection in Granada Hills. The suspect drove away from the crash site, and minutes later, at least one of the Honda's tires blew out after possibly driving over a spike strip. But the chase continued on surface streets, with the driver refusing to pull over. The saga finally came to an end less than 10 minutes later, when the Honda crashed head-on into a California Highway Patrol SUV on the 405 Freeway. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was quickly tackled by several officers. Details about the alleged burglary were not immediately available.

Seven people, including two police officers, have died in a head-on collision during a pursuit, after a vehicle driving down the wrong side of a major road hit a police car in the United Kingdom. All occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene near Middlesbrough in northeast England on Saturday, according to the Cleveland Police. Recommended Stories list of 3 items- list 1 of 3Landmark trial on Meta’s impact on children’s mental health begins in US - list 2 of 3Four killed in helicopter crash in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro - list 3 of 3Singapore-flagged container ship crashes into riverbank in India A total of 12 people have been killed in less than a week in separate accidents involving cars driving on the wrong side of the road in the UK and Ireland, as a similar collision occurred in Dublin on Sunday. The Cleveland Police said five members of the public were travelling along the wrong side of the road in a Volkswagen Passat when it collided with a marked police vehicle heading in the correct direction at around 3:39am (02:39 GMT). Authorities are investigating the exact circumstances of the crash but said they understood that officers had begun a pursuit when they sighted a “suspicious vehicle”. “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland,” Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said. The police force said it had formally identified the passengers in the Volkswagen Passat and was contacting their families. Fuller named the two dead officers as police constables Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, describing them as “brave officers … who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift”. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on X that he was “devastated” to hear about the loss of life and urged people “to avoid speculation at this time”. The incident follows two similar recent head-on crashes near Dublin, with authorities there highlighting a social media-driven trend for “wrong-side” driving among young people. After the collision in Dublin on Sunday, Ireland’s prime minister, or taoiseach, Michael Martin, said it was the latest in a series of similar incidents. “There can be no tolerance for this reckless behaviour that we have seen on our roads recently. It must stop,” Martin said. Irish police chief Justin Kelly added that it came after another head-on crash on a motorway and warned that “what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media”. An Irish parliament committee has asked short-form video platform TikTok to explain how it removes content “that appears to glorify dangerous and illegal behaviour on our roads”. On Tuesday, Ireland’s media regulator made a similar request.

Advertising Seven people, including two police officers, have died this Saturday in a collision between a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat that occurred during a pursuit on a road near Middlesbrough, in northeast England. The accident happened around 03:39 local time (02:39 GMT) on the A66 after Cleveland Police officers spotted a vehicle they considered suspicious and began pursuing it, according to information provided by British authorities. After the pursuit began, the Volkswagen Passat entered the A66 and collided with the police vehicle. Seven people involved in the crash died. Among the victims are the two officers who were traveling in the patrol car. Police are now working to formally identify all the deceased and inform their families of what happened. "We are working to identify the victims and contact their families," the police said, asking the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues to clarify the exact circumstances of the accident. Independent investigation The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), the body responsible for overseeing police conduct in England and Wales, has opened an investigation into the crash. The aim will be to determine how the police action unfolded from when officers spotted the suspicious vehicle and began the pursuit up to the moment of the collision. A large emergency response was deployed to the scene after the Northeast Ambulance Service received notification of a collision between two vehicles. The medical services mobilized several ambulances and paramedics to assist the affected. However, despite the efforts of the professionals who were dispatched to the area, the seven victims died at the scene. "Unfortunately, despite the efforts of all teams present, several people died at the scene of the accident," said a spokesman for the ambulance service, which extended its condolences to those affected by the incident. The investigation remains open, and authorities have stressed the need to avoid speculation until the causes can be determined and the moments leading up to the collision accurately reconstructed. Advertising

The family of one of the two officers killed when a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle said he was “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. Pc Tom Clough, 38, died alongside Pc Matthew Blades, 37, when aVolkswagenPassat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle inTeessideearly on Saturday. Five males aged between 17 and 23 years who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed. 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.” Read More Police had aborted pursuit of car seconds before fatal crash that killed seven Five males killed alongside police officers in wrong-way A66 crash named Tributes pour in for 'brave' officers killed in A66 police chase crash

- Published Multiple people have died in a crash involving a police vehicle and a car following a pursuit, police have said. The collision involved a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, at about 03:39 BST, Cleveland Police said. North East Ambulance Service said 14 "ambulance resources" attended and "a number of patients died at the scene". A police spokesman said: "Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. We are working to identify the victims and contact their families." The Independent Office for Police Conduct said it was opening an investigation. The watchdog said: "At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began." The A66 is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories. The road was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane and the force said it was set to stay shut for the rest of the day. A police van and a car could be seen at the east side of the road with lights flashing, with two police officers standing at the scene. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes. The force said there were still "significant emergency service vehicles" on the scene. It added: "This is a quickly evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation." The North East Ambulance Service said: "Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene," the service said. "We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help." Anna Turley, MP for the local Redcar constituency, said she was "deeply saddened". "My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected," she said. "Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident."

- Published Police abandoned the pursuit of a car seconds before it crashed going the wrong way down a dual carriageway, killing all five men aboard and two officers, investigators have said. Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17, died when a Volkswagen Passat struck a Cleveland Police vehicle on Saturday on the A66 near Middlesbrough. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who were on the correct side of the road and were helping search for the car, were also killed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the force had been pursuing the Passat following reports of "numerous incidents" linked to it. The watchdog, which launched an immediate investigation, said the Passat was believed to be using cloned registration plates which activated an ANPR camera. Analysis of footage from one of the police vehicles showed the pursuit lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat travelled on to the wrong side of the A66, at which point officers "abandoned" it, the IOPC said. The pursuing officers continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway but approximately 10 seconds later at about 03:39 BST, the Passat collided with the vehicle of PC Blades and PC Clough, who were "in the area to assist in a search" for the car, a spokesman said. Security footage from a house on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appears to show a car being pursued by police vehicles three minutes before the crash. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said on Saturday it was an "incredibly sad day for Cleveland", adding: "No one should leave their home and not return safely." Fuller said she and her deputy chief constable visited the officers' families to "offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss". Politicians, including the prime minister and home secretary, have remembered the officers, with Andy Burnham saying he was "devastated" by the news. The Great North Air Ambulance said it "will be felt across our communities and among all those who responded and supported the emergency response". Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said it was "devastating" to think about the grief of the families involved. "There were seven lives cut short needlessly in the early hours of yesterday morning and that's a tragedy for the community here, it's a tragedy for the Cleveland Police family. Everybody today is really mourning the loss of those lives." She paid tribute to the "bravery" of PC Blades and PC Clough and said "no one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift." Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said the loss of the officers was "unfathomable", adding: "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today." When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory for the case to be referred to the IOPC. IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said the watchdog recognised the "devastating impact" the incident had had on the force and "wider policing community". He said: "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. "IOPC investigators will continue to review and analyse all the evidence available to us." Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey said it was important to let the IOPC do its investigation. "I would advise anybody who has opinions or hearing things on social media to make sure that misinformation doesn't spread and we let the IOPC do its work," he said. PC Blades, a married father of two, had recently become a coach at Seaton Carew FC and was preparing for his first season teaching its under-sevens Seahawks squad, the club said. The officer and his family were "much-loved members of our club and football family", it added. The A66, which is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories, remained closed on Sunday.

- Published Two police officers who died when a car travelling the wrong way down a dual carriageway crashed into their vehicle have been hailed as heroes by their families. PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat, which officers had been pursuing until seconds before, collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday. The Passat's occupants Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17, also died. In tributes released by Cleveland Police, PC Clough's family said he was "willing to help anyone", while PC Blades' wife described him as "loved beyond words". "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt," she said, adding he was a "beloved husband" and the "most devoted father" to their two young sons who would grow up knowing what an "incredible" dad he was. "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness," she said. "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. "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." She ended the tribute to her husband: "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad." PC Clough's family said he had a "fantastic sense of humour" and "jumped into action whenever needed", adding he was "our hero" and always "willing to help anyone for any reason". They also said he "proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place" and was "always on public duty throughout his short life". In other tributes, a man who knew PC Clough posted on social media he was a "true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer". Seaton Carew FC, where PC Blades had recently become a coach and was preparing for his first season with its under-sevens team, said the officer and his family were "much loved members" of the club. FC Hartlepool, where PC Blades had coached the under-10s team, said he was a "role model, mentor [and] friend" who the children "looked up to and admired". "His kindness, patience, and infectious personality made him loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him," the club added. Funds raised for families Carmel College in Darlington, where PC Blades taught English before joining the police, said he was an "intelligent, kind an approachable teacher" who "gave generously of himself to the young people in his care". On Sunday evening more than £180,000 had been pledged for the officers' families in an online fundraiser set up by Cleveland Police Federation, who said the two officers had "paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty". "They leave behind heartbroken loved ones who will struggle to come to terms with the loss of their loved one," the federation said, adding the organisation would support the families "at this unfathomable moment" with the money to be used "as they so wish". Earlier a group of police officers laid floral tributes at the police cordon on Eston Road. Some removed their hats and bowed their heads and took a brief moment of silence to remember their colleagues. They spoke briefly to other officers at the scene before leaving, with some hugging each other as they walked away. Local residents Elisia and Vincent Haarhoff also went to the scene to express their solidarity with the police. "No family deserves that," Elisia said, adding: "God bless all the families, honestly. "We wanted to come... [the police here have] always been so lovely." The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the crash, said the officers who died were "in the area to assist in a search" for the Passat. Cleveland Police had received reports linking the car, which was believed to be using cloned registration plates that activated an ANPR camera, to "numerous incidents", the watchdog said. Officers were pursuing it for almost seven minutes before the Passat turned the wrong-way on to the A66, the IOPC spokesman said. About 10 seconds later, at 03:39 BST, the car hit the officers' vehicle which was on the correct side of the dual carriageway, the IOPC said. Security footage from a house on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appears to show a car being pursued by police vehicles three minutes before the crash. Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council said the section of A66 in South Bank between Eston Road and Normanby Road would remain closed until Monday while repairs were carried out on the carriageway. Follow BBC Tees on X,, external Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external and listen to Radio Tees on BBC Sounds.

- Published Twelve people have been arrested as part of the investigation into the A66 crash that killed seven people, including two police officers. Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested across Teesside on suspicion of a range of offences including possession of a firearm and being part of an organised crime group. In the early hours of Saturday, a Volkswagen Passat that had been pursued by police travelled the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough and crashed into an oncoming police car - two PCs and all five Passat occupants died. Cleveland Police said it was investigating "serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident". PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died in the crash, as did Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, and 17-year-old Cole Robert Worthy. Earlier, Cleveland Police released more details of its investigation into the lead-up to the crash and information about the 12 people it had arrested. The force said: It received several reports of two vehicles "being driven dangerously" on Saturday morning The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was seen "ramming properties" in the Middlesbrough area The second vehicle, a Passat, is believed to have been associated with this activity Both vehicles were operating with cloned number plates but were picked up by automated number plate recognition technology The Volvo has been recovered in Middlesbrough Four of the five people in the Passat had previous convictions Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said the investigation had been "fast moving and complex". He said: "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." The 12 people arrested as part of the investigation are: Three men, aged 24, 19 and 35, all held on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon. They are in police custody A man, 21, held on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. He has been remanded on recall to prison A 30-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and who is in police custody A 20-year-old man arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and public order. He remains in custody A 26-year-old man has been charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, as well as the possession of criminal property Another man, 39, and a 47-year-old woman have been released on conditional bail after both being arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, and possession of class C drugs An 18-year-old man has been released on unconditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, and possession of class C drugs A 61-year-old woman has been released on conditional bail after being arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and has been released on conditional bail The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into the collision following a self-referral from Cleveland Police, which is mandatory when someone dies following contact with police. The IOPC said officers had followed the Passat for almost seven minutes before abandoning the pursuit when the car went the wrong way down the A66 at South Bank. Ten seconds later at 03:39 BST, the Passat collided with the vehicle of PCs Clough and Blades, who were travelling on the correct side of the road and were in the area to assist with the search for the car. Earlier, BBC Verify reported that a TikTok account believed to belong to Saddington previously shared videos showing young men driving dangerously. The government called for social media platforms to remove posts celebrating such behaviour. Cleveland Police said: "At the current time, there is no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities that took place on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok." An online fundraiser set up for the officers' families by the Cleveland Police Federation has raised more than £500,000. PC Blades' wife said he "gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness". Before joining Cleveland Police, PC Blades worked as an English teacher at Carmel College in Darlington. The college said: "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." The family of PC Clough described the former soldier as "our hero". 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". Flags at Cleveland Police headquarters are flying at half-mast and Redcar and Cleveland Council has opened a book of condolence at its offices on Ridley Street in Redcar. Floral tributes can also be left at the memorial garden at the force's headquarters in Hemlington or any Cleveland Police station, the council said. Tributes for the five young men have also been shared on social media, with many of their friends saying they were "heartbroken" and "lost for words". Balloon releases have been announced in their memory. Follow BBC Tees on X,, external Facebook, external, Nextdoor and Instagram, external and listen to Radio Tees on BBC Sounds.

Police had aborted pursuit of car seconds before fatal A66 crash that killed seven The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that a pursuit of a car believed to be using cloned plates was aborted seconds before it collided with a police vehicle [National news] Police had called off their chase of a vehicle suspected of displaying false registration plates just moments before it smashed into a separate patrol car on the A66 near Middlesbrough, resulting in seven fatalities, the police watchdog has revealed. Five young men ranging from 17 to 23 years of age lost their lives when a Volkswagen Passat, travelling on the incorrect side of the dual carriageway at South Bank, struck a marked armed response vehicle on the A66 in Teesside during the early hours of Saturday morning. Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were confirmed deceased at the scene. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, of Cleveland Police also perished in the collision and had been travelling in the proper direction. The matter was passed to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which confirmed on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough had not participated in the initial chase, but had been summoned to the location to help with the hunt for the Passat. Cleveland Police had obtained information regarding "numerous incidents" connected to a Passat, the watchdog stated in its account of what happened. The vehicle, carrying the five occupants and thought to have been fitted with cloned plates, was identified. The plates had triggered an ANPR camera, the IOPC confirmed. An armed response vehicle initiated a chase lasting slightly under seven minutes before the Passat entered the A66 in South Bank travelling the wrong way. Officers abandoned the pursuit and proceeded to drive on the proper side of the road. Around 10 seconds following the termination of the chase, the Passat collided with the vehicle occupied by Pc Blades and Pc Clough. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell expressed his sympathies to those impacted, stating: "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." An outpouring of tributes and messages of solidarity for the families of the five young men has flooded social media, with numerous friends expressing they "can't believe it" and were "heartbroken" and "lost for words". Balloon releases have been scheduled in their honour on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at various locations including South Bank. A silent prayer vigil is planned at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday, during which the parish priest will say: "Say prayers every hour on the hour for those who lost their lives, for their families, friends and colleagues and all who are struggling with the great sense of loss and grief at this time." Pc Blades, a married father-of-two, coached his eldest son in football and was looking forward to teaching his youngest for another squad. He had recently taken on a coaching role at Seaton Carew FC and was preparing for his first turn working with the club's under-sevens Seahawks team. "He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season," the club said on social media. Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family." FC Hartlepool also paid tribute, describing Pc Blades as a "much-loved member of our football family". The club said: "As coach of our U10 Reds, a team that was made even more special by having his eldest son playing alongside the boys, Matty was so much more than a coach. "He was a role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired. He was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team." A man acquainted with Pc Clough honoured him as a "true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer" in an online tribute. "Taken far too soon words fail me right now. Until we meet again sleep tight my mate," he continued. Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the collision occurred, offered her condolences on Sunday, stating the "whole community is reeling here today" and describing Cleveland Police as a "close-knit" force. Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey reinforced the feeling, telling Sky News: "It is a small place, and the force is a really tight-knit family, really, and I think it will have a big impact on them." One man paying tribute to Mr Rae, Mr Worthy and Mr Saddington said "life will never be the same" and described them as "the most kindest lads about". A further social media post referred to Mr Matusiak as "the funniest, caring, kind hearted person in the world" who "lit up every room". One message, dedicated to all five young men, read: "We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads."

Europe August 22, 2026 | 1:35 PM Cadena 3 Editorial LONDON — Seven people, including two police officers, died in a tragic head-on collision in northeastern England during the early hours of Saturday after a police chase. The incident occurred around 3:39 a.m. on the A66 motorway near Middlesbrough. Cleveland Police said a Volkswagen Passat carrying five people was traveling the wrong way and collided with a police vehicle traveling in the correct direction. As a result of the impact, all seven people died at the scene. Cleveland’s Chief of Police, Victoria Fuller, confirmed the identities of the two officers who died, Matthew Blades and Tom Clough. At this time, police are working to formally identify the other victims. Families of those identified have been notified and provided with specialized support. Cleveland Police are investigating the crash, in collaboration with the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which routinely intervenes in these cases. Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of life and urged the public to avoid speculation about the incident during this difficult time. What happened in England? A head-on collision on the A66 left seven dead, including two police officers. Who are the victims? The victims include the two police officers Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, and five people who have not yet been identified. When did the crash occur? The crash occurred at 3:39 a.m. on Saturday. Where did the crash take place? The incident took place on the A66 motorway near Middlesbrough. How did the crash happen? A vehicle traveling in the wrong direction collided with a police car in the correct lane. [Source: AP] You may be interested Rail accident in the south A passenger train derailed and toppled in southern England, prompting a rapid emergency response. No injuries have been reported to date. Emergency in Suffolk A forest fire at Dunwich Heath, labeled a “serious incident,” threatens the Sizewell B nuclear power plant. More than 90 firefighters are working in the area as residents were evacuated. Aviation accident in Alaska In an aircraft accident in Alaska, eight people died, including two employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, after a plane crashed in dense fog. Eight fatal victims in an aviation accident A charter plane carrying eight people crashed at a remote radar base in western Alaska, killing all occupants, according to the U.S. military.

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Police release major update on A66 fatal crash as 12 people are arrested Cleveland Police have arrested 12 people on suspicion of firearms and organised crime offences as part of their investigation following the A66 crash that killed seven people, including two police officers Further information regarding a criminal inquiry following a devastating A66 collision has emerged as the force confirms 12 individuals have been detained. Seven lives were lost - including two police officers - in the wrong-way crash during the early hours of Saturday morning, 22 August, in South Bank. Cleveland Police launched an extensive investigation into the criminal activity which occurred before the fatal collision. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when the marked armed response vehicle they were travelling in was struck by a Volkswagen Passat, which was travelling in the wrong direction. Five occupants inside the Passat also died at the scene. They are Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak. Police have now issued an update about the incident saying on Saturday 22 August, Cleveland Police received multiple reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously. The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was observed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is thought to have been connected with the activities of the Volvo XC60. Both vehicles were operating with cloned registration plates to evade detection but were identified by the force's automated number plate recognition technology, Cleveland Police has stated. Investigations conducted over the weekend - assisted by officers from Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire police forces - have resulted in the detention of 12 individuals across Teesside. Nine men and three women, ranging in age from 19 to 61, have been held on suspicion of various offences. The charges span from firearm possession to involvement in organised crime group activities. Cleveland Police has additionally stated that, at present, there is no evidence suggesting that recording of the events occurring on Friday evening and Saturday morning was undertaken for TikTok purposes. It has further been revealed that four of the Passat's passengers held prior criminal convictions. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, overseeing the strategic direction of the inquiry, commented: "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. 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 Volvo XC60 connected to the initial reports has since been located and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the ongoing criminal investigation. Heartfelt tributes have been paid to the two officers who tragically lost their lives in the collision, as more than £460,000 has been raised to support their families. The Independent Office for Police Conduct previously revealed that Cleveland Police initiated a pursuit after receiving intelligence relating to "numerous incidents" linked to a Passat. PC Blades and PC Clough had no involvement in the original pursuit, but had been deployed to the area to assist in the search for the Passat. An armed response vehicle chased the Passat for just under seven minutes before the car entered the A66 in South Bank travelling against the traffic flow. Officers abandoned the pursuit and proceeded to drive on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat collided with PC Blades and PC Clough's vehicle approximately 10 seconds after the chase was terminated.

Five people who died in A66 police chase crash which killed two officers named PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat that was travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough collided with their car Two men and three teenagers who died when their car travelling the wrong way down the A66 crashed and killed two police officers have been named officially by police The two brave policemen - PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38 - were killed when their patrol car was hit. Now Cleveland Police have released the names and ages of those who died in the VW Passat. They are: Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and 18-year-old Makai Saddington. A police spokesman said: "Family Liaison Officers are continuing to work with the families all of those who sadly lost their lives in the collision. " Today it also has emerged that at least one of them has previously posted videos of him on TikTok recklessly speeding. In one clip, filmed in May by a passenger and set to rap music, an 18-year-old is seen in an Audi being driven at speed through a housing estate with a police car's blue lights flashing in pursuit. The vehicle is then seen veering across a playing field in an apparent attempt to shake off the pursuers. Another video on an account associated with him shows a green Nissan being driven around before being set alight, while separate images posted elsewhere show him and a friend posing in cars wearing black balaclavas. The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. Police are expected to officially identify all five of the young men later today. Tributes today continued to be paid to the two officers who were named last night, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. No photos of the police officers have been officially released by Cleveland Police yet. Ring doorbell footage shows that at 3.36am the car was driven at speed through Middlesbrough's streets before officers halted the chase when the vehicle turned on to the A66. Makai's aunt paid tribute to him. Sharon Morgan wrote on social media: “Today is a day I never thought I would have to face. I’m heartbroken to say that we lost my beloved nephew today our Makai. There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life. “You brought so much love and happiness into our family, and your memory will stay with us forever. This loss has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled. “Rest peacefully, my beautiful nephew. You will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, fly high love ya aunty Sharon… Keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we try to get through this heartbreaking time, especially our Alisha, his Mam.” Last night a football club where PC Blades was a coach paid tribute. They posted: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that Seaton Carew FC shares the devastating news of the passing of one of our coaches, Matty, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident while carrying out his duties as a police officer. “Matty had only recently joined our club as a coach and was preparing for his first season with our brand-new U7 Seahawks team. He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season. Matty and his oldest son are much-loved member of our club and our U10 Lions football family. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. “We also stand alongside Matty’s colleagues and friends within the police service, who have tragically lost members of their force. All club flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect. “From everyone at Seaton Carew FC, thank you, Matty, for choosing to become part of our club. You will always be remembered as one of our own. Rest peacefully, Matty. Forever a part of the Seaton Carew FC family.”

Twelve people have been killed in less than a week in separate wrong-way driving crashes in England and Ireland, intensifying concerns over a dangerous trend in which motorists deliberately drive against traffic and, in some cases, record the stunts for social media. Seven people, including two police officers, died early Saturday when a Volkswagen Passat traveling the wrong way on the A66 near South Bank in Middlesbrough, northeastern England, collided head-on with a marked Cleveland Police vehicle. The crash happened at about 3:39 a.m. local time after officers had been pursuing a suspicious vehicle. The Passat, traveling against the flow of traffic, struck the police car, killing the two officers inside and five people in the Volkswagen. All seven victims died at the scene. Emergency crews sent 14 ambulance resources, a specialist paramedic team, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from the Great North Air Ambulance Service to the crash site. The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision, including the police pursuit. The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston as investigators examined the scene. The deaths came less than a week after a separate wrong-way crash in Ireland killed five teenagers and seriously injured four other people. On Aug. 16, a black BMW traveling the wrong way on the northbound M9 motorway near Moone in County Kildare, west of Dublin, collided head-on with a Hyundai. Five teenagers in the BMW died. They were identified locally as Kamil Pustkowski, 17, of Limerick; Joey "Joe" Carthy, 15, of Athy, County Kildare; Alex McCarthy, 17, of Carlow; Jack Kennedy, 17, of Athy; and Jeremy O'Brien, 18, of Carlow. Four people traveling in the Hyundai, including a 7-year-old boy, were seriously injured. The group included three women from the same family who were traveling toward Dublin Airport for a family wedding in Britain. Two of the women were reported to be in critical condition. Garda Siochána, Ireland's national police force, determined that the BMW had been linked to suspected break-ins or burglaries in the Carlow and Athy areas earlier that night. Gardai had attempted to stop the vehicle after it was reported to have been involved in the incidents, but it failed to stop. Investigators believe the BMW traveled the wrong way on the M9 more than once. Gardai had prepared measures, including stinger devices, near an exit ramp, but the vehicle continued before the fatal collision. Police were not pursuing the BMW at the moment of impact. Garda policy generally prohibits officers from chasing vehicles traveling against traffic on a motorway because of the extreme danger posed to other motorists. The Garda investigation has also examined social media activity connected to some of the teenagers. Authorities said some of those involved had previously posted or been linked to videos showing reckless driving, including wrong-way driving. The M9 crash was not an isolated incident. A week earlier, on Aug. 9, a stolen vehicle carrying eight teenagers was driven the wrong way, including down an entrance ramp, on Dublin's M50 motorway near Junction 12 at Firhouse. The vehicle collided with another car, injuring all nine people involved. One of the teenagers suffered critical injuries. Authorities have increasingly pointed to social media as a factor in a series of dangerous driving incidents involving young people. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the M9 crash as "horrific" and said the behavior was even more disturbing because some drivers appeared to be committing the offenses for social media attention. He also linked the crash to the recent M50 collision and warned that driving against traffic on a motorway can have devastating consequences. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said there could be "no tolerance" for the reckless behavior, describing wrong-way motorway driving as an irresponsible and dangerous act that must stop. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan condemned what he called "outrageously dangerous criminal behaviour" and said the government was considering whether wrong-way motorway driving should become a specific offense. Irish authorities have described a pattern involving groups of predominantly teenage males stealing vehicles, driving them recklessly and sometimes deliberately entering motorways in the wrong direction after failing to stop for police. Some of the activity has been filmed and shared on platforms such as TikTok, with videos showing high-speed driving, damaged ignition systems, police encounters and other dangerous behavior. Police have also raised concerns that offenders understand the limitations placed on officers during motorway pursuits. Gardai generally cannot pursue a vehicle traveling against traffic because doing so could put innocent motorists at even greater risk. The Garda Representative Association has called for improved training for officers dealing with motorists who refuse to stop, while Ireland's media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, and an Oireachtas committee have sought explanations from TikTok about content that may glorify illegal and dangerous driving. TikTok has said it removes content that violates its rules and is monitoring material connected to the incidents. Wrong-way crashes are among the most dangerous collisions on high-speed roads because vehicles can approach each other at extremely high closing speeds, leaving drivers little or no time to react. Wrong-way driving can occur because of impairment, confusion or mistakes, but Irish authorities are increasingly concerned about cases in which drivers appear to enter opposing lanes deliberately and record the behavior for online attention. The A66 crash in England has raised a separate set of questions about police pursuits and the risks officers face when a suspect vehicle begins traveling against traffic.

British police investigating a car crash in northeast England over the weekend that killed seven people, including two police officers, said on Monday they had arrested 12 people in a probe into organised criminal activity linked to the incident. Cleveland Police said officers had received reports before the crash on Saturday of two cars being driven dangerously, including a vehicle that was seen ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. Both vehicles had been operating with cloned number plates to avoid detection, police said. One of the vehicles drove the wrong way down a major road and crashed into a police armed response car, killing all five occupants and two police officers. Four of the five occupants of the vehicle that crashed had previous convictions, police said. Police said inquiries over the weekend had resulted in the arrests of nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, across the Teesside area. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of offences ranging from possession of a firearm to participating in the activities of an organised crime group, police said. "This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity," Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said in a statement. Police added there was currently no evidence that the events leading up to the crash had been filmed to appear on short-form video platform TikTok, after recent concerns in neighbouring Ireland about motorists driving the wrong way on roads for social media attention. (This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) {{#source}}{{source}} {{/source}}{{#isBlog}} {{disclaimer}} {{/disclaimer}}

The two women who died in awrong-way crash on Texas 121in Fort Worth early Aug. 18 have been identified as a mother and grandmother, according to family friends. A GoFundMe has been established tocover funeral expensesfor 32-year-old Tyler Triplett and her mother, Randi Holshouser. According to police, a Jeep traveling east in the westbound lanes collided head-on with the women’s vehicle. Both died at the scene. The Jeep’s driver also died in the accident but has not yet been identified by theTarrant County Medical Examiner. Triplett’s 11-year-old daughter, Ranleigh, was critically injured and remains hospitalized. She’s had to undergo several surgeries, according to the GoFundMe. Donations received through the fundraiser will also help pay for her medical expenses. A man riding with the victims was also injured, police said. His relationship to the family and the extent of his injuries isn’t clear. A longtime friend of Holshouser told Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV that he’s still trying to process his grief. “Going tomiss our conversations,” the friend said. “She never judged anybody.” He added that Holshouser and Triplett were “very good people,” WFAA reported. The GoFundMe had raised nearly $5,000 toward a $20,000 goal by noon Saturday. This story was originally publishedAugust 22, 2026 at 12:14 PM.

Share IRVING, Texas-Irving police said a motorcyclist was killed in a wrong-way crash early Saturday morning on State Highway 114. What we know: The crash happened just after 2:30 a.m. Saturday on the eastbound side of SH 114 near Hidden Ridge. Irving police said a vehicle was traveling westbound in the eastbound when it struck the motorcycle head-on. The motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver was intoxicated and was arrested. The passenger of the vehicle was arrested for public intoxication, authorities said. What we don't know: The name of the victim has not been released. Police did not give the names of the driver and passenger that were arrested. The Source:Information in this article comes from the Irving Police Department. All the news you need to know, every day By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto thePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Service.

UK PM Slams Social Media Glorification of Dangerous Driving After Deadly Crash Government Response and Investigation into Deadly Crash Prime Minister's Condemnation LONDON, Aug 24 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday glorifying dangerous driving on social media was "truly reprehensible", as his government urged tech companies to remove videos following a car crash over the weekend that killed seven people. Details of the Incident The Crash and Its Victims A car driven the wrong way down a major road crashed into a police armed response vehicle in northeast England, killing all five occupants and two officers, in the early hours of Saturday morning. Four of the five occupants of the car that crashed had previous convictions, police said. Police Investigation and Arrests Police said on Monday they had arrested 12 people in a probe into organised criminal activity linked to the incident. Context: Social Media and Dangerous Driving Recent Related Incidents The crash followed two recent head-on collisions near Dublin, one of which killed five people, which prompted Ireland's police chief to warn that some young people were driving the wrong way on the motorway "for social media likes". Current Evidence on Social Media Involvement Police, however, said there was currently no evidence that the events leading up to the crash had been filmed to appear on short-form video platform TikTok. Official Statements and Government Actions Prime Minister's Statement Burnham said it was a "devastating incident" and as an investigation was ongoing, there was a limit on what he could say at this time. "But of course, anybody who glorifies dangerous driving is doing something that is truly reprehensible and unacceptable," he told reporters in Kyiv on Monday. Government's Appeal to Social Media Companies His spokesperson said the government had raised the issue of videos of dangerous driving with social media companies since the tragedy and made it clear that they should be removed. Ongoing Police Operations Dangerous Driving Reports Police said officers had received reports before the crash of two cars being driven dangerously, including a vehicle that was seen ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area in northeast England. Use of Cloned Number Plates Both vehicles had been operating with cloned number plates to avoid detection, police said. Details of Arrests Suspects and Charges Police said inquiries over the weekend had resulted in the arrests of nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, across the Teesside area. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of offences ranging from possession of a firearm to participating in the activities of an organised crime group, police said. Statement from Police Officials "This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity," Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said in a statement. Reporting and Editorial Credits (Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, Paul Sandle and Liz Piper; editing by David Milliken, Alexandra Hudson)

A collision between a police vehicle and a car traveling in the opposite direction on the A66 road, near Middlesbrough, England, left seven people dead this Saturday, including two police officers. The crash occurred at 3:39 a.m., when a Volkswagen Passat collided head-on with a marked Cleveland Police vehicle. Investigators said Officers Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, aged 37 and 38, died at the scene along with the five occupants of the other vehicle. Police indicated that they had detected shortly before the Passat performing a suspicious maneuver and moving on the wrong side of the road. The data gathered so far indicated that the patrol car involved in the collision was not part of that pursuit and was traveling in the correct lane of the A66 when the crash happened. PUBLICITY The head of Cleveland Police, Victoria Fuller, confirmed the identities of the two officers who died and expressed the force’s sorrow over the loss. Fuller stated that Blades and Clough protected the community and served the neighbors, noting that neither returned home at the end of their shift. She also reported that she and the deputy chief of police visited the families to convey their condolences. While those details were shared, authorities kept the identities of the other five victims, who were traveling in the Volkswagen Passat, confidential. Their families had already been notified and were receiving specialized assistance, according to official sources during the day. A security recording captured on Lime Road, in Middlesbrough, showed several police vehicles behind a car moments before the crash. PUBLICITY That material became part of the evidence being reviewed by investigators to reconstruct the movements prior to impact and determine exactly how the situation evolved on the road. The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened an investigation into the incident. The A66 remained closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane for much of Saturday. In that area, one of Teesside’s main routes, experts, police, and emergency crews worked to preserve the scene, collect evidence, and complete initial actions. The Northeast Ambulance Service deployed 14 resources to assist at the scene. The agency extended condolences to those affected by the tragedy and acknowledged the work of the responders at the site. PUBLICITY The deaths of the two officers sent shockwaves through Cleveland Police and regional authorities. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was devastated by the news and asked that speculation be avoided while the investigation remains open. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed her support for the force during the process of identifying all those involved. Her statements were joined by messages from local leaders and officials, including Police Commissioner Matt Storey, MP Anna Turley, and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. (With information from BBC, Europa Press, and Sky News) PUBLICITY

Twelve arrested over horror crash that left seven dead after car driven wrong way down busy road Seven people died as a result of the crash on the A66 in Middlesborough Twelve arrests have been made in response to the horror crash in the UK which killed seven people on Saturday, police have confirmed. A major investigation has been launched by Cleveland Police into suspected criminal activity connected to the events leading up to the fatal collision which killed seven people, including serving officers PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, reports the Manchester Evening News. Police were alerted on Saturday morning (August 22) after receiving multiple reports concerning two vehicles being driven dangerously. One of the vehicles, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was reported to have been used to ram properties in Middlesborough. A Volkswagen Passat was also reported to have been involved and is believed to have been linked to the Volvo's activities. Both cars were fitted with cloned number plates, apparently in an attempt to evade police detection. However, they were identified by Cleveland Police's automated number plate recognition system. The Passat drove the wrong way down the A66 dual carriageway after it was pursued by police and it was there it crashed into an oncoming police car and killed PC Blades, 37, and PC Clough, 38. The Passat's occupants, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17 also died. Twelve arrests made Over the weekend, Cleveland Police said it had been working alongside colleagues from Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire Police to piece together what happened before the fatal crash. The investigation has so far led to 12 arrests across Teesside. Those arrested are nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61. They are suspected of a number of offences, including possession of a firearm and involvement in the activities of an organised crime group. Police have also said there is currently no evidence that footage recorded during Friday night and Saturday morning was intended for publication on TikTok. Four people travelling in the Passat were known to have previous police convictions. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, who is overseeing the strategic direction of the investigation, 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.' "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." Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives... To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.

The families of two police officers killed in a head-on crash near Middlesbrough have paid tribute to them, as ITV News' Emma Volney reports The families of the two officers killed after a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle have paid tribute to them. Pc Tom Clough, 38, died alongside Pc Matthew Blades, 37, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday. Five males aged between 17 and 23 who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed. They have been named by police as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak. Pc Clough's family described him as their "hero with a fantastic sense of humour", who was always willing to help anyone. Meanwhile, Pc Blades' family said the "pain of losing him is beyond words", and that his greatest legacy will be the love he gave to his family. A fundraiser for the officers' families has raised over £200,000 by Sunday evening. The money will be split equally between them to use “as they so wish” as they “try to navigate this traumatic time”, the Cleveland Police Federation, which organised the fundraiser, said. The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Statements from Pc Clough's and Pc Blades' families In a statement issued by Cleveland Police, Pc Clough’s family 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.” They added: “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.” In a statement, the wife of Pc 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." It continued: "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." How did the crash happen? Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the watchdog said in its description of events. The vehicle, containing the five occupants and believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted. The plates had activated an ANPR camera, the IOPC added. An armed response vehicle started a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove onto the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased. IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends and all those affected by yesterday’s collision. 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." Tributes paid to the seven victims Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. One male paying tribute to Mr Rae, Mr Worthy and Mr Saddington said “life will never be the same” and called them “the most kindest lads about”. Another social media post called Mr Matusiak “the funniest, caring, kind hearted person in the world” who “lit up every room”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank. A silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday, in which the parish priest will say: “Say prayers every hour on the hour for those who lost their lives, for their families, friends and colleagues and all who are struggling with the great sense of loss and grief at this time.” Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know... The families of two police officers killed in a head-on crash near Middlesbrough have paid tribute to them, as ITV News' Emma Volney reports The families of the two officers killed after a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle have paid tribute to them. Pc Tom Clough, 38, died alongside Pc Matthew Blades, 37, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday. Five males aged between 17 and 23 who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed. They have been named by police as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak. Pc Clough's family described him as their "hero with a fantastic sense of humour", who was always willing to help anyone. Meanwhile, Pc Blades' family said the "pain of losing him is beyond words", and that his greatest legacy will be the love he gave to his family. A fundraiser for the officers' families has raised over £200,000 by Sunday evening. The money will be split equally between them to use “as they so wish” as they “try to navigate this traumatic time”, the Cleveland Police Federation, which organised the fundraiser, said. The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Statements from Pc Clough's and Pc Blades' families In a statement issued by Cleveland Police, Pc Clough’s family 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.” They added: “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.” In a statement, the wife of Pc 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." It continued: "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." How did the crash happen? Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the watchdog said in its description of events. The vehicle, containing the five occupants and believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted. The plates had activated an ANPR camera, the IOPC added. An armed response vehicle started a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove onto the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased. IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends and all those affected by yesterday’s collision. 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." Tributes paid to the seven victims Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. One male paying tribute to Mr Rae, Mr Worthy and Mr Saddington said “life will never be the same” and called them “the most kindest lads about”. Another social media post called Mr Matusiak “the funniest, caring, kind hearted person in the world” who “lit up every room”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank. A silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday, in which the parish priest will say: “Say prayers every hour on the hour for those who lost their lives, for their families, friends and colleagues and all who are struggling with the great sense of loss and grief at this time.” Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...

Fatal wreck near I-44 and 119th Street leaves three dead; police investigate UPDATE: OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA (KOKH) — According to OKCPD, vehicles along the northbound I-44 lanes slowed down for an unknown reason. A semi-truck traveling in those lanes did not slow down and struck another vehicle. This first collision created a domino effect and struck another vehicle. The semi-truck then rolled into a nearby ditch, killing the driver. Another vehicle involved in the collision became engulfed in flames, killing two people inside. One Chickasha Lighthorse police officer was transported to a nearby hospital. ORIGINAL: The Oklahoma City Police Department is responding to a multi-vehicle accident near I-44 and 119th Street Thursday afternoon. According to OKCPD, three people have been confirmed dead in connection with the accident. One of the vehicles involved was a Chickasha Lighthorse police car. The officer inside that car was injured and is currently being transported to a nearby hospital. This is a developing story; please check back for updates. For more local news delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter by clicking here.

Supervised AI Summary Seven people, including two police officers, died in a head-on collision between a patrol car and a Volkswagen Passat near Middlesbrough, England. Local police said the chase began after identifying a suspicious vehicle that entered the A66 road in the wrong direction, colliding with the police car. Cleveland Police Chief Victoria Fuller lamented the loss of officers Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, highlighting their bravery and service to the community. The Police Conduct Authority (IOPC) is investigating the incident. Prime Minister Andy Burnham expressed his shock and support for the affected families and the police force. * Journalists’ summary. Seven people, including two police officers, have died this Saturday in the head-on collision between a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on a road near Middlesbrough in northeastern England, according to Local Police. Cleveland Police Chief Victoria Fuller told the press that officers detected a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit ensued, after which the car entered the A66 in the opposite direction and collided with a police patrol car traveling in the correct direction before 04:00 local time. Regarding this, she noted that the loss affects “the communities, our police family and our collaborating agencies”: “They were brave officers who protected our communities and served our neighbors, and who did not return home to their families at the end of their shift.” Fuller specified that the two deceased officers are Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, though their ages were not provided. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) — which oversees police work — is investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “horrified” by the deaths of two officers and five civilians: “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone affected, as well as the entire Cleveland Police service. My thanks to the emergency services that intervened in extremely difficult circumstances.”

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a Volkswagen Passat, which was travelling the wrong way down the A66 near Middlesbrough, collided with their marked police vehicle that was going in the right direction. Three teenagers were among the five people travelling in the Passat who were also killed in the crash. They have been named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23 and Makai Saddington, 18. Their families are being supported by officers, Cleveland Police said. Husband and father-of-two PC Blades had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach and was preparing for his first turn teaching its under-sevens Seahawks squad. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.” Ex-frontline responder Graham Wettone, who served in the Metropolitan Police for more than three decades, said Cleveland Police staff “will literally know most people” in the force and the effect of the crash will be “massive”. Officers spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car at 3.39am, the watchdog said. The IOPC investigation was opened just after 6am on Saturday. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” by the deaths of the two officers. “Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances,” he added. Read More “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident. She added: “We would ask everyone to avoid speculating online to respect the families and the police while they do their work at this terrible time.” David Taylor and Stephen Martin, councillors for the Eston ward, said they were “deeply saddened” by the “unimaginable tragedy”. Tees Valley mayor Baron Ben Houchen said in a statement: “A horrible and tragic incident in Southbank this morning and my thoughts are with those affected, their families and the emergency services who attended the scene. “Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us, and I know all of Teesside will want to pay tribute to the officers and other emergency service workers involved for the bravery they have shown in responding to this incident.” The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston. A large white tent was erected over the scene, with multiple emergency service vehicles on the scene. The closed section of the A66 is bordered by large industrial units to the north, and is close to the major Teesworks site. Police put into effect a drone exclusion zone around the scene. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. “This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies. “These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents, who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.” North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said it had been called to a two-vehicle crash and sent 14 units, including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service. A spokesperson for NEAS said: “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. “We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.” IOPC director of investigations Nicola Marfleet said: “This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance.” She added investigators have been sent to start reviewing evidence, and the watchdog is cooperating with Cleveland Police to establish the circumstances of the collision.

Some of those held over the A66 investigation are suspected of “participating in the activities of an organised crime group” Cleveland Police said, adding that four of those killed in the car which hit the police vehicle had previous police convictions. Police said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, were arrested over alleged criminality leading up to the collision for offences include possession of a firearm and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. The force said on the morning of the collision, it received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously. The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was witnessed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is believed to have been associated with the activities of the Volvo. Police said both vehicles were operating with cloned number plates but were picked up by automated number plate recognition technology. The Volvo XC60 involved in the initial reports has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when the Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police and was driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway, hit their marked armed response vehicle. The crash in Teesside took place 10 seconds after a pursuit by other officers was terminated. Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Four of the five people in the Passat, including three teenagers, had previous police convictions, Cleveland Police said. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.” Read More He went on to say: “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.” More than £250,000 has been raised for their families. A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday reached £228,000 early 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 had raised more than £27,600. Family members described former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. The father-of-two’s family 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, Pc Blades’ wife called him “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”. She said he was “an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle”. It has emerged the TikTok for one of the men that died, Makai Saddington, featured a string of videos appearing to show him in high-speed police chases. Andy Burnham said people who share footage glorifying dangerous driving are “doing something that’s truly reprehensible”, He made the comments on Monday during a visit to Kyiv as the Government urged TikTok and other social media firms to remove wrong-way driving videos. Police said there was no evidence that filming of the activities by the two cars on Friday night and Saturday morning was “for the purposes of TikTok”.

Five young men who died after their vehicle hit a police car on a dual carriageway may have had links to “serious and organised criminal activity”, police said. Cleveland Police said 12 other people have been arrested over alleged criminality leading up to the collision in Teesside in which seven people, including two police officers, were killed. These included four people arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and four on suspicion of possessing a firearm. Four of the suspects are also accused of possessing Class A and B drugs with intent to supply. Four of the five young men in the car had previous criminal convictions, and were believed to be associated with another car which was seen ramming properties earlier that morning. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat – which had been pursued by police – was driven the wrong way along a dual carriageway near Middlesbrough and hit their marked armed response vehicle. The five people travelling in the Volkswagen – Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak – were pronounced dead at the scene at South Bank, early on Saturday. Police said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested after an investigation over the weekend into alleged criminal activity before the crash. The force said on the morning of the collision, it received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously. The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was witnessed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is believed to have been associated with the activities of the Volvo. Police said both vehicles were operating with cloned number plates but were picked up by automated number plate recognition technology. The Volvo XC60 involved in the initial reports has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough. Police said there was no evidence that filming of the activities on Friday night and Saturday morning was “for the purposes of TikTok”. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.” He went on to say: “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.” Lauren Somerville, chairwoman of Cleveland Police Federation, told Sky News that the two men were the “embodiment of policing” in an emotional interview. She said: “It’s so hard to describe how this grief feels and how it will feel. “Policing is so unique, so unique. We are injected into the darkest moments in people’s lives, whether that be arresting somebody or you know, saving a life. “Whatever it is, and officers forge relationships that might happen in a moment, or might happen over a full career together, and you cannot describe the grief. “It’s something that, unless you know a police officer, is difficult to understand.” Flowers left beside the A66 close to the crash site paid tribute to the officers who died. A paramedic wrote a card with a bouquet which said: “Thank you for your service. RIP.” Another said: “Behind every uniform is a person with a life, family, friends and people whose lives they have touched along the way.” One card simply said: “For our 2 brave police officers, may you both rest in peace.” More than £750,000 has been raised for the families of the two police officers who were killed when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit their marked armed response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated. A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support. Cleveland Police launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, which activated an ANPR camera and is believed to have been using cloned plates, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Family members described former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. The father-of-two’s family 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, Pc Blades’ wife called him “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”. She 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.” She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.” 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”. It added: “He was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team.” Earlier on Sunday, Pc Clough’s family 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.” 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.” Tributes for the five young men were also shared on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at different locations, including in South Bank near where the collision occurred. One message, dedicated to all five, said: “We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads.” The Passat they were travelling in was spotted and an armed response vehicle pursued for just under seven minutes before the car drove on to the A66 at South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the chase ended. A silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday.

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'Our hero': First picture of officer killed in A66 crash released as family pay moving tribute and police watchdog issue update The family of PC Tom Clough say he was 'always on public duty' The family of one of two police officers killed when their car was struck by a car travelling the wrong way down the A66 have paid tribute to their 'hero.' PC Tom Clough, 38, died alongside colleague PC Matthew Blades, 37, when a Volkswagen Passat that had been pursued by police hit the marked, armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday (August 22). Three teenagers and two young men who were travelling in the Volkswagen, which went the wrong way down the dual carriageway in South Bank near Middlesbrough, were also killed. Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter PC Clough’s family said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police this evening (Sunday): “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 five civilians who died were today named as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jakub Matusiak. The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the watchdog said in its description of events. The vehicle, containing the five occupants and believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted. The plates had activated an ANPR camera, the IOPC added. An armed response vehicle started a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into PC Blades and PC Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell paid his condolences to those affected, adding: “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.” Husband and father-of-two Pc Blades coached his eldest son in football and was looking forward to teaching his youngest for another squad. He had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach and was preparing for his first turn teaching its under-sevens Seahawks team. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.” Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank.

Twelve arrested over A66 crash that killed two police officers and five men as more details revealed Seven people died as a result of the crash on the A66 in Middlesborough Twelve arrests have been made in response to the A66 crash which killed seven people on Saturday, police have confirmed. A major investigation has been launched by Cleveland Police into suspected criminal activity connected to the events leading up to the fatal collision which killed seven people, including serving officers PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Police were alerted on the morning of Saturday (August 22) after receiving a number of reports concerning two vehicles being driven dangerously. One of the vehicles, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was reported to have been used to ram properties in Middlesbrough. A Volkswagen Passat was also reported and is believed to have been linked to the Volvo’s activities. Both cars were fitted with cloned number plates, apparently in an attempt to evade police detection. However, they were identified by Cleveland Police’s automated number plate recognition system. After the Passat was pursued by police, it drove the wrong-way down the A66 dual carriageway, where it crashed into an oncoming police car and killed PC Blades, 37, and PC Clough, 38. The Passat's occupants, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17 also died. Twelve arrests made Over the weekend, Cleveland Police says it has been working alongside colleagues from Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire Police to piece together what happened before the fatal crash. The investigation has so far led to 12 arrests across Teesside. Those arrested are nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61. They are suspected of a number of offences, including possession of a firearm and involvement in the activities of an organised crime group. Police have also said there is currently no evidence that footage recorded during Friday night and Saturday morning was intended for publication on TikTok. Four people travelling in the Passat were known to have previous police convictions. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, who is overseeing the strategic direction of the investigation, 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.’ “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.” Tributes to both police officers More than £250,000 has been raised for the families of two police officers. 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 had raised more than £27,600. Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Family members described former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. The father-of-two’s family 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, Pc Blades’ wife called him “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”. She 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.” She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.” 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”. It added: “He was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team.” Earlier on Sunday, Pc Clough’s family 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.” 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.”

Police are investigating an incident involving a second car and have arrested twelve people following a crash on the A66 which killed seven people. Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested by officers investigating the events leading up to the crash on the A66 on Saturday. The crash – which occurred when a car, thought to be a Volkswagen Passat, was driven the wrong way along the A road and collided with a police car – killed two officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Five teenagers and young men – Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18 – also died. All seven victims were declared dead at the scene shortly before 4am. Sign up for all of the latest stories Police said the five young people killed in the incident may have had links to ‘serious and organised criminal activity’. They added that the arrests come following several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously. Another vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was witnessed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area, they said. Both vehicles had cloned number plates, which police believe were being used to avoid detection. However, they were picked up by the force’s automated number plate recognition technology. The Volvo XC60 has now been recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the police’s investigation. Some of the people arrested are suspected of ‘participating in the activities of an organised crime group’, Cleveland Police said. Other suspected offences include possession of a firearm. They added that four of the deceased who had been in the car when it hit the police vehicle had previous convictions. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, 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.’ ‘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.’

Irving Police said a wrong-way driver accused of driving intoxicated caused a fatal head-on collision Saturday morning. Police said a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of SH114 near Hidden Ridge crashed into a motorcycle around 2:40 a.m. Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are The motorcyclist died at the scene, according to the Irving Police Department. A spokesperson for Irving Police said officers arrested the driver, who they said was intoxicated. A passenger was also arrested, accused of public intoxication. Create a free account with NBC 5 DFW to save articles and videos. Officers shut down SH114 for more than 6 hours as police finished their investigation and cleared the scene. The roads were reopened by 9:30 a.m.

A driver pulled a freeway U-turn and stopped at a gas station in a San Fernando Valley pursuit Friday that went on for more than an hour before ending in a head-on crash with a CHP patrol SUV on the 405 Freeway. The Honda Accord driver, who was sought in connection with a burglary, maintained low speeds during much of the chase, but briefly headed the wrong way on a 405 Freeway exit ramp. The driver made a quick U-turn on the freeway and joined northbound traffic in Mission Hills. Moments later, the driver pulled into a fuel station and appeared to stop for gas. Near Balboa Boulevard and Devonshire Street, the chase took another unusual turn when someone on a motorbike pulled alongside and in front of the car and motioned to the driver. It was not immediately clear whether the driver was known to the person on the motorbike. The rider got off the bike and appeared to approach the passenger-side door at an intersection before the car took off again with patrol SUVs in pursuit. The motorcyclist continued to follow the car, riding alongside the line of law enforcement vehicles. The chase appeared to enter a parking structure on or near the Cal State Northridge campus before exiting back onto streets. The Honda with a damaged rear tire and detached rear bumper then collided with a SUV at a nearby intersection. No serious injuries were reported. The chase came to an end after the driver pulled another U-turn on the 405 Freeway and went the wrong way before colliding with a CHP SUV. The man ran from the car and down an embankment, but was taken into custody by several officers. Details about the burglary that led to the pursuit were not immediately available.

Un Volkswagen Passat que huía de las autoridades invadió el carril contrario y se impactó de frente contra una patrulla. Londres. - Un choque frontal en la autopista A66, cerca de Middlesbrough, dejó siete personas sin vida durante la madrugada del sábado, entre ellas dos agentes de la Policía de Cleveland. El accidente ocurrió a las 3:39 de la mañana, después de que un vehículo que era perseguido por las autoridades invadiera el carril contrario. De acuerdo con la corporación policial, un Volkswagen Passat con cinco ocupantes circulaba en sentido contrario por la A66 cuando impactó de frente contra una patrulla que viajaba en la dirección correcta. Las siete personas fallecieron en el lugar del percance. La jefa de policía de Cleveland,Victoria Fuller, confirmó la identidad de los dos agentes fallecidos:Matthew BladesyTom Clough. Mientras tanto, las autoridades continuaban con los procedimientos para identificar formalmente al resto de las víctimas. Los familiares de los agentes ya identificados fueron notificados y están recibiendo apoyo especializado por parte de la institución. La Policía de Cleveland trabaja en conjunto con la Oficina Independiente de Conducta Policial, organismo que interviene de manera obligatoria en incidentes de esta naturaleza. El primer ministro Andy Burnham expresó su consternación por lo sucedido. “Estoy devastado”, declaró, al tiempo que pidió a la ciudadanía evitar sacar conclusiones apresuradas. “Hago un llamado a la gente a evitar especulaciones en este momento”, señaló Burnham, en referencia a las investigaciones en curso que buscan esclarecer las circunstancias exactas de la persecución y el posterior choque.

Tributes have been paid to “brave” Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, after they died in the Saturday, Aug. 22, collision Cleveland Police/Cleveland Police Two police officers were among seven people killed in a wrong-way crash in the U.K. over the weekend. A car traveling in the wrong direction down the A66 highway near the town of Middlesbrough in northern England, about 250 miles north of London, collided with a marked police vehicle at 3:39 a.m. local time on Saturday, Aug. 22, according to a Cleveland Policenews release. The two officers — Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38 — died at the scene, along with the five occupants of the other car: Michael Cahill, 23; Jakub Matusiak, 23; Makai Saddington, 18; Theo Rae, 17; and Cole Worthy, 17, according to another policerelease. Owen Humphreys/PA via Alamy According to anews releasefrom the U.K.’s Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is investigating the crash, police had been pursuing the other car after receiving information about “numerous incidents” linked to the vehicle. The pursuit lasted just under seven minutes, ending after the car entered the main road traveling the wrong way, the IOPC found. Police had been driving on the correct side of the road, per the release. About 10 seconds later, the car collided with another police vehicle, which had been carrying Blades and Clough. The vehicle had not been involved in the pursuit, but the officers had been in the area helping police search for it. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller paid tribute to Blades and Clough as “brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents,” in the police release, describing Saturday as an “incredibly sad day for Cleveland.” In a separatetribute, Clough’s family described him as their “hero” with a “fantastic sense of humor,” saying that he “jumped into action wherever needed” and “proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place.” Cleveland Police Blades’ wife said in her owntribute, “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,” she shared, adding, “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,” the tribute included. Cleveland Police Local soccer club Seaton Carew FC, where Blades had recently joined as a coach, paid tribute onX, explaining that he was preparing to work with the club’s under-7s Seahawks team. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the team wrote. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.” Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up forPEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletterfor breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. FC Hartlepool, another local team, said Blades had coached its under-10s, too. “Matty was so much more than a coach,” the team wrote onX. “He was a role model, a mentor, a friend and someone the children looked up to and admired.” The IOPC has obtained accounts from officers involved in the pursuit, as well as the incident log and in-car footage of the incident amid the ongoing investigation. Cleveland Police had no additional information to add at this time when contacted by PEOPLE.

Officer killed in wrong-way A66 crash was ‘our hero’, family says The family of one of the two officers killed when a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle said he was “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. Pc Tom Clough, 38, died alongside Pc Matthew Blades, 37, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday. Five males aged between 17 and 23 who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed. Pc Clough’s family said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police: “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.” They added: “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.” Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were also pronounced dead at the scene. The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the watchdog said in its description of events. The vehicle, containing the five occupants and believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted. The plates had activated an ANPR camera, the IOPC added. An armed response vehicle started a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell paid his condolences to those affected, adding: “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.” A fundraiser for the officers’ families had raised nearly £16,000 out of its £20,000 target by Sunday evening. The money is to be split equally between them to use “as they so wish” as they “try to navigate this traumatic time”, said the organisers Cleveland Police Federation. A second crowdfunder had raised more than £3,500 of its £8,000 target for Pc Clough and Pc Blades’ families. Husband and father-of-two Pc Blades coached his eldest son in football and was looking forward to teaching his youngest for another squad. He had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach and was preparing for his first turn teaching its under-sevens Seahawks team. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.” Meanwhile, FC Hartlepool described Pc Blades as a “much-loved member of our football family”. The club said: “As coach of our U10 Reds, a team that was made even more special by having his eldest son playing alongside the boys, Matty was so much more than a coach. “He was a role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired. “He was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team.” 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. “Taken far too soon words fail me right now. Until we meet again sleep tight my mate,” he added. Meanwhile Guisborough Rugby Club said it was “saddened by the tragic loss” of the two officers. Pc Blades was part of the club’s mini and junior section and his family “is still involved in the rugby community”, it posted on social media, adding: “At this difficult time, we stand with the families & our wider community as we remember two men who dedicated their lives to protecting others.” Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the accident happened, on Sunday paid condolences to the deceased and said the “whole community is reeling here today”, describing Cleveland Police as a “close-knit” force. Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey echoed the sentiment, telling Sky News: “It is a small place, and the force is a really tight-knit family, really, and I think it will have a big impact on them.” A silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday, in which the parish priest will say: “Say prayers every hour on the hour for those who lost their lives, for their families, friends and colleagues and all who are struggling with the great sense of loss and grief at this time.” Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank. One male paying tribute to Mr Rae, Mr Worthy and Mr Saddington said “life will never be the same” and called them “the most kindest lads about”. Another social media post called Mr Matusiak “the funniest, caring, kind hearted person in the world” who “lit up every room”. One message, dedicated to all five young men, said: “We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads.” Published: by Radio NewsHub

British police investigating a car crash in northeast England over the weekend that killed seven people, including two police officers, said they had arrested 12 people in a probe into organised criminal activity linked to the incident. Five young men and teenagers who died after their vehicle hit a police car while travelling the wrong way along a dual carriageway may have had links to "serious and organised criminal activity", Cleveland police said. They added 12 other people have been arrested over alleged criminality leading up to the collision in near Middlesbrough. The alleged offences include possession of a firearm and participating in the activities of an organised crime group. Four of the five young men in the car had previous criminal convictions, and were believed to be associated with another car which was seen ramming properties earlier that morning. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat - which had been pursued by police - hit their marked armed response vehicle. The five people travelling in the Volkswagen - Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak - were pronounced dead at the scene in the early hours of Saturday. Police said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested after an investigation over the weekend into alleged criminal activity before the crash. The force said on the morning of the collision, it received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously. The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was witnessed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is believed to have been associated with the activities of the Volvo. Police said both vehicles were operating with cloned number plates but were picked up by automated number plate recognition technology. The Volvo XC60 involved in the initial reports has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough. Police said there was no evidence that filming of the activities on Friday night and Saturday morning was "for the purposes of TikTok". Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said: "This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity." "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," he added. Flowers left beside the A66 close to the crash site paid tribute to the officers who died. A paramedic wrote a card with a bouquet which said: "Thank you for your service. RIP." Another said: "Behind every uniform is a person with a life, family, friends and people whose lives they have touched along the way." One card simply said: "For our 2 brave police officers, may you both rest in peace." More than £250,000 has been raised for the families of the two police officers who were killed. A fundraiser created by the Cleveland Police Federation yesterday reached £228,000 early 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 fundraiser for the families had raised more than £27,600. Cleveland police launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to "numerous incidents" linked to a Passat, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. The Passat teenagers and young men were travelling in was spotted and an armed response vehicle pursued for just under seven minutes before the car drove on to the A66 at South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the chase ended. Family members described Pc Clough as "our hero" who was "always on public duty". The father-of-two’s family 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, Pc Blades’ wife called him "my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys". She 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." Pc Clough’s family said yesterday: "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." 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."

LONDON (AP) — Seven people, including two police officers, died in the early hours of Saturday in a head-on crash in northeast England after a police chase. Cleveland Police said a Volkswagen Passat carrying five people was traveling the wrong way on the A66 motorway near Middlesbrough and collided with a police vehicle traveling in the correct direction along the same road. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The seven people died at the scene of the crash, which occurred at 3:39 a.m. Cleveland Police Chief Victoria Fuller said the two officers were identified as Matthew Blades and Tom Clough. Police were still working to formally identify the other victims. Families of those who have been identified were notified and offered specialist support, the force said. Cleveland Police were investigating the crash, along with the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which always intervenes when such incidents occur. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to learn of the loss of lives and urged “people to avoid speculation at this time.” ___ This story was translated from English by an AP editor with the help of a generative artificial intelligence tool.

Tributes have also been left to the young men who died travelling in the Volkswagen Passat. They are: Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Michael Robert Cahill, 23. Balloons, flowers and written tributes have been left at the police cordon near to the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough. "Shine bright up there my little mate," was written on one tribute, while "RIP Tuzi" could be seen on a balloon. The Passat was driving on the wrong side of the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, when it collided with PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades's marked armed response vehicle.

There is "no evidence" that filming in the lead up to the crash was done for TikTok, Cleveland Police say. There is "no evidence" that filming in the lead up to the crash was done for TikTok, Cleveland Police say. There is "no evidence" that filming in the lead up to the crash was done for TikTok, Cleveland Police say. Home UK Politics World US Money Science, Climate & Tech Ents & Arts Programmes Puzzles Videos Analysis Data x Forensics Offbeat Weather Home UK Politics World US Money Science, Climate & Tech Ents & Arts Programmes Puzzles Videos Analysis Data x Forensics Offbeat Weather YouTube Facebook X TikTok Instagram LinkedIn WhatsApp About Us Sky News Profiles Sky News Distribution Sky News Clip Sales Site Map Editorial Guidelines Sky News Board Sky News RSS Sky News For Your Phone Sky News Radio Sky Witness Sky Atlantic Sky Arts Sky Cinema Sky Sports NOW Sky Up Academy Studios Sky Group Sky Bet Sky.com Sky News Arabia Advertise With Us Terms & Conditions Privacy & Cookies Privacy Options Accessibility Contact Us

UK police arrest 12 after deadly wrong-way crash that killed 7 Police have denied the collision on Saturday was linked to filming for the TikTok online platform British police have arrested 12 people after a car pursued by police crashed while driving the wrong way on a major road, killing five youths and two officers. The deaths on Saturday came as officials warned of a trend for young people to carry out dangerous driving stunts to post on social media. However, police on Monday denied the collision was linked to filming for the TikTok online platform. Police in the Cleveland area of northeast England said there was “no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok”. The force revealed that officers were chasing two cars with cloned plates when the deadly accident occurred. It added that 12 had since been arrested on suspicion of taking part in an organised crime group and weapon possession. The crash came days after five teenagers were killed in Ireland while their car drove the wrong way on a motorway. Irish police chief Justin Kelly said that “what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media”.

Two 'brave officers' who died in A66 'wrong-way' crash in South Bank named PCs Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, died after a crash on the A66 in South Bank Two police officers who were among seven people who lost their lives in a crash on the A66 have been named. PC Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, died after the Volkswagen Passat, which was travelling the wrong way down the carriageway in South Bank, collided with their marked police vehicle, which was going in the right direction. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. It is understood officers from Cleveland Police spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car, the watchdog said. Speaking outside the Cleveland Police HQ in Hemlington, Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: "This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies. "These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents. Who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift. "My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone at Cleveland Police, are with their families, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Earlier today, the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom's families to offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss." Formal identification has now taken place for the occupants of the Volkswagen Passat and specialist family liaison officers are being deployed to support the bereaved families. The force say they have support in place for officers and staff who have been affected by the tragic events. "As is mandatory following any death connected to a police incident, we have referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and are fully cooperating with their investigation," said Chief Constable Fuller. "While this investigation is ongoing, and out of respect for all those who have lost loved ones, I would strongly urge people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the families." Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "devastated" to hear about the crash. Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey has said: "There are few words that can bring comfort to the family, friends and colleagues of the seven people who have lost their lives in this tragic incident. "Our thoughts are with everyone affected and with those who are continuing to come to terms with this unimaginable loss, including colleagues at Cleveland Police, who will feel the profound loss of two of their serving officers. "On behalf of everyone at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the people of Cleveland, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all seven people who lost their lives." Did you know you can make Teesside Live a preferred source of Teesside news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here's more information about what this means and how to do it - you can also do it by clicking here.

Family of police officer killed in A66 South Bank crash pays tribute to 'our hero' PC Tom Clough was one of two police officers who died in the crash in South Bank on Saturday, which claimed the lives of seven people in total The family of a Cleveland Police officer who was tragically killed in a collision on the A66 has paid tribute to "our hero". PC Tom Clough, 38, was one of two police officers who lost their lives in the South Bank crash in the early hours of Saturday, which claimed the lives of seven people in total. Alongside his colleague PC Matthew Blades, 37, the officer has been hailed as a 'brave' man who served his community. He died at the scene after a marked armed response vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat, which was travelling on the wrong side of the road. His heartbroken family said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. He jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason. "He proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place, and was 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." A man who knew PC Tom Clough called him a "true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer", in a tribute on social media. He added: "Taken far too soon words fail me right now. Until we meet again sleep tight my mate." Cleveland Police also shared that a tribute to PC Matthew Blades will be made available at a later time. A GoFundMe page has been setup to help support both of the families of the two later police officers, which says that "any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish", and this can be found here. Speaking outside of Cleveland Police HQ yesterday, Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said: "This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies. "These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents, who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift. My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone at Cleveland Police, are with their families, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. "Earlier today, the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom's families to offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss." For more information and the latest updates as the reaction from the harrowing incident continues, you can visit our dedicated live blog here. Did you know you can make Teesside Live a preferred source of Teesside news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here's more information about what this means and how to do it - you can also do it by clicking here.

Cleveland police have published photographs of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough who died when a car travelling the wrong way on the A66 crashed head-on into their police vehicle. Two 17-year-old boys were among the seven people who were killed in the incident on Teesside. Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak died when their Volkswagen Passat, believed to be using cloned plates, collided with a marked armed response vehicle early on Saturday near Middlesbrough. Blades, 37, and Clough, 38, of Cleveland police, who were also killed in the collision, had been driving in the correct direction. Tributes have been paid to the officers, with their chief constable, Victoria Fuller, describing them as “brave officers protecting our communities”. Clough’s family described him as “our hero with a fantastic sense of humour” and someone who “jumped into action whenever needed, and [was] willing to help anyone for any reason”. In a statement issued via Cleveland police, the family said Clough had “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.” Blades’ wife said the pain of losing him is “beyond words” and the family’s lives “will never be the same”. In a statement issued through the force, she 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.” Blades’ wife, who has not been named, also expressed “deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks” to the police and emergency services and concluded: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero.” A local football club, Seaton Carew FC, said Blades had recently joined as coach and was preparing for the season with the new under-sevens Seahawks team. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.” The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has opened an investigation into the circumstances leading to the crash at 3.39am in South Bank after a mandatory referral from Cleveland police. On Sunday the IOPC said initial inquiries showed the Passat had been pursued by police for just under seven minutes before it turned on to the A66 against the flow of traffic. At that point the pursuit was aborted, the IOPC said. “Approximately 10 seconds later, the Passat collided with another police vehicle which was not involved in the pursuit but in the area to assist in a search for the Passat believed to be using cloned plates that had activated an ANPR camera.” The IOPC director of engagement, Derrick Campbell, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with the family and friends and all those affected by yesterday’s collision. We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community, and offer our condolences.” On Sunday, Anna Turley, the Home Office minister and local Redcar MP, said it was “devastating” to think about the grief of the families of everyone who lost their lives on Saturday morning. The whole community was “reeling”, she said. “All of us in the community here are sending our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically.” “I do want to place on record my tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough. The bravery that we see from our police officers every day, every night is incredible. No one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift.” She also said it was important to thank the emergency service workers who had attended the scene during “a really horrific incident”. Security camera footage from local houses appeared to show the police pursuit moments before the fatal crash on the A66. Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear two police officers had lost their lives on duty, as well as five members of the public. The prime minister said: “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.” Fuller said she and her deputy had on Saturday visited the families of the two officers to offer condolences and support. “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland,” she said. “This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies. These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents, who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.” Lauren Somerville, the chair of Cleveland police federation, said the grief among officers was “all-consuming, overwhelming”. She said: “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland police family are feeling.” The Cleveland police and crime commissioner, Matt Storey, described the force as a “really tight-knit family” and said the deaths “will have a big impact on them”. The young men in the car were named by Cleveland police on Sunday afternoon. The force said family liaison officers were working with the families.

Twelve people have been arrested on suspicion of offences including being involved with organised crime as part of the investigation into events leading to a crash on the A66 that killed two police officers and five others. Cleveland police confirmed that nine men and three women were detained by officers investigating the events that led up to PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough dying when a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough collided with their marked armed response vehicle. All five men who were in the second car, aged between 17 and 23, were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said some of those arrested as part of the A66 investigation, whose ages range from 19 to 61, were suspected of various offences. Four people were arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and four on suspicion of possessing a firearm, while four of the suspects were also accused of possessing class A and B drugs with intent to supply. Police have said the five men killed in the crash may have had links to “serious and organised criminal activity”, adding that four of those killed in the car that hit the police vehicle had previous convictions. The fatal crash sparked a wave of concern about a social media trend for posting videos of dangerous, high-speed driving, which the prime minister, Andy Burnham, on Monday called “truly reprehensible”. Cleveland police said there was currently “no evidence that filming of the activities on Friday night and Saturday morning was for the purposes of TikTok”, but Lisa Nandy, the culture secretary, wants assurances from the tech companies and from the online communications regulator Ofcom “that this content is being proactively sought and removed”. At least one of those killed in Saturday’s crash had previously posted reckless driving footage online. The Guardian on Monday found a video on YouTube seen 2.5m times showing a Honda being driven at breakneck speed through a council estate and then down a narrow country road. Google, which owns YouTube, terminated the account after being asked for comment. The arrests have come as part of a “wide-scale investigation into the criminality which took place” in the hours leading up to the crash, which has involved the help of officers and staff from Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire police forces. As part of the investigation a Volvo XC60, believed to be associated with the activities of the passengers of the Volkswagen Passat, had been identified and recovered, police said. Assistant chief constable Wayne Fox said his force had engaged in “a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity” and claimed the “events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect”. He said: “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. “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 utmost 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.” Earlier on BBC Radio 5 Live, defence minister, Luke Pollard said he wanted to see social media companies “step up”. “I think we all need to give the police time,” he said. “But there’s also things we can be doing in the meantime to make sure that the internet is a safer place for everyone, that doesn’t celebrate and load views and therefore financial incentives on people to generate such awful content.” Earlier this month, five young men were killed in Ireland and four other people injured after the car the men were travelling in was driven the wrong way down the M50 motorway. More than £500,000 has been raised for the families of the two officers who died, while floral tributes have also been left beside the A66 close to the site of Saturday’s crash. One said: “Behind every uniform is a person with a life, family, friends and people whose lives they have touched along the way.”

Multiple people have died in a crash following a police chase in the early hours of this morning, Cleveland Police have said. Fourteen ambulance crews were sent to the serious crash involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat, which took place at about 3.39am on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a number of people died at the scene, North East Ambulance Service said. The police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it has launched an investigation into the fatal crash. They believe Cleveland Police launched a pursuit after officers spotted a suspicious vehicle, which travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car. IOPC director of investigations Nicola Marfleet said: “This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance. “Our investigation is in the very early stages, we have sent investigators to the post incident procedures to begin reviewing evidence. “When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory that the matter is referred to the IOPC. Our role is to establish and examine the circumstances of what happened; this work is already underway, and Cleveland Police is cooperating with our enquiries.” Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said she was “deeply saddened” and urged people against speculating online. “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, and with everyone affected by this terrible incident,” she added. “Thank you to all of our emergency services, who have worked through the night responding to this devastating incident.” The road is closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane. There is significant emergency response at the scene and people should use alternative routes as the road “will remain closed for some time”, Cleveland Police said. A force spokesperson added: "Around 3:39am this morning, a collision took place involving a police vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 in South Bank. "Sadly, the collision has resulted in multiple fatalities. There are significant emergency vehicles on the scene, and the road will remain closed for some time. The public are asked to use alternative routes. "We are working to identify the victims and contact their families. This is a quickly evolving incident and we ask that members of the public respectfully avoid speculation." A North East Ambulance Service spokesman added: “We sent 14 ambulance resources at the scene, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, our Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service. “Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event and thank everyone for all they did to help.” More follows on this breaking news story....

Seven people have died, including two police officers, in a “devastating”car crash following a chase in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police had been following a Volkswagen Passat which was suspected of being driven with cloned number plates, but aborted the pursuit after the car started driving the wrong way down the A66 in Southbank, near Middlesbrough. Ten seconds later, the VW collided with an oncoming Cleveland Police armed response vehicle which was not involved in the pursuit. The two officers, who died at the scene, have been named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. Five young men travelling the VW were also killed. They have been named as Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Worthy, 17, and Jakub Matusiak, 23. The police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it has launched an investigation into the fatal crash. Below is everything we know about the incident so far. How did the crash occur? Cleveland Police launched a pursuit after spotting a Volkswagen Passat which was acting “suspiciously”, the force said in the aftermath of the fatal crash. Analysis of the police vehicle in-car footage shows the chase lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat travelled onto the A66 against the flow of traffic, at which point the pursuit was aborted, according to the IOPC. Just 10 seconds later, the Passat collided with another police vehicle which was not involved in the pursuit. It was in the area to assist in a search for the Passat, which had triggered an ANPR camera. Fourteen ambulance crews rushed to the scene, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a Hazardous Area Response Team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service. Despite their best efforts, all the occupants of both cars were pronounced dead at the scene. Doorbell footage from nearby Lime Road appears to show multiple police vehicles chasing a car at speed moments before Saturday's fatal crash. The footage was filmed at 3:36am - three minutes before the Passat collided with the marked police vehicle. The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston as a result of the smash as investigators examined the wreckage. A large white tent was erected over the scene, with multiple emergency service vehicles around. The closed section of the A66 is bordered by large industrial units to the north and is close to the major Teesworks site. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), confirmed they had launched an investigation into the “tragic incident” following a mandatory referral from the local force. In an update on Sunday, IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: “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. “IOPC investigators will continue to review and analyse all the evidence that is available to us. We will not be providing any further comment at this time.” What have police said about the incident? Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear of the deaths of two police officers and five members of the public in a crash near Middlesbrough in the early hours of this morning. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller, of Cleveland Police, said the force would co-operate fully with the investigation as she urged the public not to speculate on the circumstances of the crash. “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland,” she said in an emotional statement delivered outside the force’s Middlesbrough headquarters. “This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family, and by our partner agencies. “These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents. Who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift. “My thoughts, and the thoughts of everyone at Cleveland Police, are with their families, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. “Earlier today, the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom's families to offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.” Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville added: “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today. “Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not. And that is just unfathomable. “Cleveland Police Federation will be offering full support to our fallen colleagues’ families and they have all of our love and care at this time. “When the time is right we will pay full tribute to our brave colleagues. But we can assure that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.” What do we know about the victims? The two police officers killed in the crash have been named as PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38. Husband and father-of-two PC Blades had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach and was preparing for his first turn teaching its under-sevens Seahawks squad. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. FC Hartlepool also described PC Blades as a “much-loved member of our football family” and “so much more than a coach”. “He was a role model, a mentor, a friend, and someone the children looked up to and admired,” the club said. PC Clough’s family paid tribute to him in a statement on Sunday afternoon, describing him as “our hero” with a “fantastic sense of humour”. “Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason,” they continued. “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". Tributes have also been paid to the five young men travelling in the VW Passat, who were aged between 17 and 23. In a post on Facebook, Sharon Morgan said she had lost her “beloved nephew” Makai Saddington, aged 18, from Middlesbrough. “There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life,” she wrote. Grieving mother, Kelly Cahill, paid tribute to Michael Robert Cahill, adding: “Fly high my boy forever 23 go and be at peace with ya dad keep me a place up there till will we meet again [sic].” Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the accident happened, said on Sunday morning the “whole community is reeling”. She told Sky News: “I want to particularly put on record my tribute to our incredibly brave police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, because we know our police officers every day, every night put themselves into action to protect our communities, to keep them safe. “And I want to acknowledge their bravery, but I also want to recognise that we’ve lost seven lives tragically and the whole community is obviously in shock and devastation.”

Moving tributes have been paid to two “hero” police officers who died in a collision near Middlesborough as their families described their “pain beyond words”. PCs Tom Clough, 38, and Matthew Blades, 37, died after the police vehicle they were driving was struck by a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the wrong side of the A66 in Teesside on Saturday night. In tributes released by Cleveland Police, the two officers’ families said they had died “in the line of duty” and that their lives will “never be the same”. “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour,” PC Clough’s family said. “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.” In a separate tribute, PC Blades’ wife said he was a “devoted” father and her “best friend”. "He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle,” 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. "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.” She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.” Donations to a fundraiser set up by Cleveland Police to support the families of the two police officers have now reached over £230,000. Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support. Five teenagers and young men who died driving on the wrong side of the road in the crash have also been named as Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, and Jakub Matusiak, 23. No-one survived the collision, which is being investigated by the police watchdog. Cleveland Police had launched a pursuit after spotting the VW acting “suspiciously”, the force said in the aftermath of the fatal crash. Officers began following the car in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, before it joined the A66 in the wrong direction. Officers ended their pursuit, but just 10 seconds later the VW collided with an oncoming police armed response unit at 3.39am. The police car, which was travelling in the right direction, was not part of the pursuit. Friends and family of the teenagers and young men have also spoken of their heartbreak. In a post on Facebook, Sharon Morgan said she had lost her “beloved nephew” Makai Saddington, aged 18, from Middlesbrough. “There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life,” she wrote. “You brought so much love and happiness into our family, and your memory will stay with us forever. This loss has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled. Rest peacefully, my beautiful nephew. You will never be forgotten.” Grieving mother, Kelly Cahill, paid tribute to Michael Robert Cahill, adding: “Fly high my boy forever 23 go and be at peace with ya dad keep me a place up there till will we meet again.” Ellie Webster, who described herself as a close friend of Theo Rae, said watching his family’s hearts being broken was one of the hardest things she had ever done. “Theo Rae you’ve left so many people broken,” she said. “I’m gunna miss your daily checkins making sure we’re all okay. I wish I could take the pain away from your mam, how are we going to get her through this I’ll never know! It just doesn’t seem real. Rest in peace Theo.” Channy Brown shared pictures of all five VW occupants as she called for their faces to “light up” social media. Paying tribute, she said they were “top lads” with “kind hearts”. “Forever young forever going to be missed and loved by everyone who new them,” she added. Others posted details of balloon releases in the coming days in memory of some of the five. Doorbell footage from nearby Lime Road appears to show multiple police vehicles chasing a car at speed. The footage was filmed at 3.36am, three minutes before the fatal crash. Teesville resident Neil Hutchinson told the Mail on Sunday: “There were police cars tearing down the street at 3.30am with lights flashing and their sirens going, it woke me up.” The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), confirmed it had launched an investigation into the “tragic incident” following a mandatory referral from the local force. In an update on Sunday, the watchdog revealed Cleveland officers had been chasing the Passat for seven minutes, but ended the pursuit when it entered the A66 in the wrong direction. The force had received intelligence regarding numerous incidents linked to the car, which was suspected of having cloned number plates. The Passat struck the oncoming police response vehicle just 10 seconds after the chase was abandoned. The officers who were killed had not been involved in the pursuit but were in the area to assist in the search for the car. IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell said: “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.” The A66 has been closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston as investigators examine the wreckage. A large white tent was erected over the scene, with multiple emergency service vehicles around. The closed section of the A66 is bordered by large industrial units to the north and is close to the major Teesworks site.

No 10 has described the glorification of dangerous driving on social media as “utterly disgraceful” as the government ordered TikTok to take down videos “celebrating” a trend to drive in the wrong direction. The intervention comes after two police officers – PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38 – died when the vehicle they were driving was struck head-on by a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the wrong side of the A66 in Teesside on Saturday night. Five young men travelling in the Passat – Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak – were pronounced dead at the scene. One of the teenagers killed was involved in filming dangerous driving for TikTok before the fatal incident took place. On Monday, Andy Burnham criticised people who have posted videos of themselves driving recklessly on social media, telling reporters during a visit to Kyiv on Monday: “Anybody who glorifies dangerous driving is doing something that’s truly reprehensible.” No 10 also condemned the practice, hitting out at those posting such videos “for clips and entertainment”. It is understood the government has contacted TikTok, which is already under investigation by Ofcom as part of a probe into whether the platform’s age checks are effective in preventing children from seeing harmful content. Cleveland police has since said that there is currently no evidence to indicate that any filming of activities that took place on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok. Cleveland Police said 12 other people have been arrested over alleged criminality leading up to the collision. A Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The glorification of dangerous driving for clips and entertainment is utterly disgraceful and that is why we have raised the issue of this appalling content with social media companies since the tragedy, and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (Lisa Nandy) is clear that it should be removed in line with their legal obligations.” Earlier on Monday, defence minister Luke Pollard said social media platforms should act to remove posts showing people driving the wrong way down roads, saying they would need to “step up”. “There’s lots of content online on social media platforms of people celebrating dangerous driving, celebrating driving inappropriately on our roads down the wrong side of the roads, behaving incredibly badly,” he told BBC Breakfast. “Now that’s a decision that social media companies have now. They’ve argued for many years they don’t need to be regulated, that they can police themselves. So this is a challenge for them. Remove that content. “They know exactly what content is on their site. They know how their algorithm works. They also know that people post content to get views. “The more views you can get, sometimes you get money for it. So it’s a financial incentive for people to post outrageous content that gets more people watching it.” He also told BBC Radio 5 Live that the government will be using powers in the Online Safety Act to compel platforms to take dangerous driving content down. “But if the social media platforms were to regulate themselves and remove it in the first place, not allow their algorithm to share this type of content, because they know exactly what type of content that algorithm is designed to share, then I think we’d be in a better place,” he said. The online safety regulator has said social media platforms are required under the Online Safety Act to minimise children’s exposure to content that encourages dangerous stunts and challenges. An Ofcom spokesperson said: “Under the Online Safety Act, platforms must minimise children’s exposure to violent material and content promoting dangerous challenges. “In July, we launched an investigation into TikTok’s compliance with its child safety duties, and we’ve shown we’ll take action if evidence suggests companies are falling short.” TikTok has said its policies strictly prohibit content that could cause significant physical harm, including dangerous driving, and that it actively removes any videos and accounts that break its rules. Meanwhile, court records show that Saddington was accused of assaulting a police officer and of causing racially aggravated alarm or distress to another in Middlesbrough on 9 June. He had appeared before Teesside Magistrates’ Court on 17 July charged with the offences and was awaiting trial. Cleveland Police had launched a pursuit after spotting the VW acting “suspiciously”, the force said in the aftermath of the fatal crash. Officers began following the car in South Bank, near Middlesbrough in Teesside, before it joined the A66 in the wrong direction. Officers ended their pursuit, but just 10 seconds later the VW collided with an oncoming police armed response unit at 3.39am. The police car, which was travelling in the right direction, was not part of the pursuit. In tributes released by Cleveland Police, the two officers’ families said they had died “in the line of duty” and that their lives will “never be the same”. “He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour,” PC Clough’s family said. “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.” In a separate tribute, PC Blades’ wife said he was a “devoted” father and her “best friend”. On Monday, police said twelve people have been arrested on offences including being involved with organised crime by detectives investigating the lead up to the A66 crash. Donations to a fundraiser set up by Cleveland Police to support the families of the two police officers have now reached more than £250,000. Organisers said funds raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families and the federation would continue to provide support.

Twelve people have been arrested in connection with a crash on the A66 that killed seven people, as the police force has warned of “significant links to serious and organised criminal activity” as part of the investigation. Two police officers, Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, died when the vehicle they were driving was struck head-on by a Volkswagen Passat travelling on the wrong side of the A66 in Teesside on Saturday night. Five young men travelling in the Passat – Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak – were pronounced dead at the scene. Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have since been arrested over the A66 investigation on suspicion of several offences ranging from possession of a firearm to participating in the activities of an organised crime group, Cleveland police said in an update on Monday afternoon. The 12 arrests were on suspicion of the following: - Two men aged 24 and 19 were arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon, and are currently in police custody. - A woman aged 30 was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and is in police custody. - A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon, and is in police custody. - A man aged 21 was arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. He has been remanded on recall to prison. - A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and public order, and is in police custody. - A woman aged 61 was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate and has been released on conditional bail. - A woman aged 47 was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs, and has been released on conditional bail. - A 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs. He has been released on unconditional bail. - A man aged 39 was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs, and was released on conditional bail. - A 26-year-old man from Redcar has been charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of criminal property. - A man aged 39 who was arrested on suspicion of threats to kill has been released on conditional bail. The force added that four of the five people killed in the car which hit the police vehicle had previous police convictions and were believed to be associated with another car which was seen ramming properties earlier that morning. Court records showed that one of the men killed in the A66 crash pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and indicated a guilty plea to causing racially aggravated alarm or distress to another officer in Middlesbrough on 9 June. The force said its officers had responded to reports that two cars were being driven dangerously on Saturday (22 August). The Volkswagen Passat, which collided with the vehicle of PC Blades and PC Clough, had earlier been sought in connection with a Volvo XC60 that was seen ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. The Passat, which had been pursued by police, hit the officers’ marked armed response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated. Both vehicles had cloned number plates but were picked up by automated number plate recognition technology, the force said, and the Volvo XC60 has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough. The force statement added: “At the current time, there is no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities that took place on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok.” Assistant chief constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, 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.” “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.” Tributes have been paid to the police officers, who were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Family members described former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. The wife of father-of-two Pc Blades called him “our superhero”, and said: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.” More than £250,000 has been raised for the families of the officers. 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 had raised more than £27,600. Tributes for the five young men were also shared on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory on four different days this week at multiple locations, including in South Bank. The government has since urged TikTok and other social media firms to remove wrong-way driving videos after it was also revealed that one of the teenagers killed was involved in filming dangerous driving for social media before the fatal incident took place. The force has said there is no evidence any footage of the incident was taken for the purposes of social media Prime minister Andy Burnham told reporters during a visit to Kyiv on Monday: “Anybody who glorifies dangerous driving is doing something that’s truly reprehensible.” Defence minister Luke Pollard said social media platforms should step up to remove these posts as an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to police themselves. He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We’ve communicated to those social media platforms that have been hosting content that celebrates this type of dangerous behaviour on our roads to take down that content. “I think we all need to give the police time, but there are also things we can be doing in the meantime to make sure that the internet is a safer place for everyone, that doesn’t celebrate and load views and therefore financial incentives on people to generate such awful content.”

Two 17-year-old boys were among seven people who were killed when a car travelling the wrong way along a dual carriageway in northeast England crashed into a police vehicle. Michael Robert Cahill (23), Theo Rae (17), Cole Robert Worthy (17), Jacob Matusiak (23) and Makai Saddington (18) all died when their Volkswagen Passat collided with a marked police armed response vehicle on the A66 near Middlesbrough early on Saturday. Police officers Matthew Blades (37) and Tom Clough (38) were also killed in the collision and had been driving in the correct direction. Officers had aborted the pursuit of the Volkswagen, which was believed to be using cloned plates, seconds before it crashed into a different police vehicle, killing seven people, the police watchdog said. READ MORE The incident was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which said on Sunday that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Cleveland Police had received intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, the watchdog said in its description of events. The vehicle, containing the five occupants and believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted. The plates had activated an ANPR camera, the IOPC added. An armed response vehicle started a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased. On Sunday, Anna Turley, a minister in the UK Home Office and the local MP, said it was “devastating” to think about the grief of the families of everyone who lost their lives on Saturday morning. The whole community was “reeling”, she said. “All of us in the community here are sending our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives so tragically,” she told BBC Breakfast. Turley said it was important to avoid speculation about what might have happened and allow families the privacy to grieve. “I do want to place on record my tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough. The bravery that we see from our police officers every day, every night is incredible. No one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift.” A local football club, Seaton Carew FC, said Blades had recently joined as a coach and would have been coaching his own son in a new under-sevens Seahawks team. In a tribute, the club said the news was devastating. It said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. “We also stand alongside Matty’s colleagues and friends within the police service, who have tragically lost members of their force. All club flags are flying at half mast as a sign of respect.” Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear two police officers had lost their lives on duty, as well as five members of the public. The British prime minister said: “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.” The Cleveland police chief constable, Victoria Fuller, said she and her deputy had on Saturday visited the families of the two officers to offer condolences and support. “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland,” she said. “This loss is being felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies. These were brave officers, protecting our communities and serving our residents, who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.” Lauren Somerville, the chair of Cleveland police federation, said the grief among officers was “all-consuming, overwhelming”. She said: “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland police family are feeling.” Tributes and messages of support for the families of the five young men have poured in on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank. – Guardian/PA

British police arrest 12 after deadly wrong-way crash that killed two officers AI generated LONDON - British police said Aug 24 they had arrested 12 people after a car pursued by police crashed while driving the wrong way on a major road, killing five youths and two officers. The deaths on Aug 22 came as officials warned of a trend for young people to carry out dangerous driving stunts to post on social media. However, police on Aug 24 denied the collision was linked to filming for the TikTok online platform. Police in the Cleveland area of north-east England said there was “no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok”. The force revealed that officers were chasing two cars with cloned plates when the deadly accident occurred. It added that 12 have since been arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and weapon possession. The crash came days after five teenagers were killed in Ireland while their car drove the wrong way on a motorway. Irish police chief Justin Kelly commented that “what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media”. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Aug 24 – while visiting Kyiv – that “anybody who glorifies dangerous driving is doing something that’s truly reprehensible and unacceptable”. Downing Street said the government had “raised the issue of this appalling content with social media companies”, including TikTok. Britain’s communications regulator Ofcom in July launched an investigation into whether TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, is doing enough under UK law to protect children from harmful content, focusing on its age checks. According to TikTok, it strictly prohibits content that could cause significant physical harm including dangerous driving and proactively removes such content. Ofcom said in a statement sent to AFP on Aug 24 that under the Online Safety Act, “platforms must minimise children’s exposure to violent material and content promoting dangerous challenges”. The watchdog said it had shown it would “take action if evidence suggests companies are falling short”. National Highways for England told AFP that there were 947 reports of wrong-way driving in the year ending May 2026, slightly down on the previous year. Irish police told AFP there have been 62 such incidents so far this year with no marked recent increase. AFP

Jump to content Sections UK Edition Subscribe now Log in Login icon Follow us on: More from The Telegraph Daisy Graham-Brown . Neil Johnston Senior news reporter Updated 23 August 2026 3:10pm BST Published 23 August 2026 1:30pm BST Save This feature is available for registered users. Please register or log in to continue RegisterLog in Comment speech bubble icon 2273 Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link Gift this article free Gift article Give full access to this article, free time. You have 15 articles left to gift, this month. Log in or Subscribe Copy link Daisy Graham-Brown . Neil Johnston Senior news reporter Updated 23 August 2026 3:10pm BST Published 23 August 2026 1:30pm BST One of five people killed in a vehicle that crashed head-on into a police car near Middlesbrough had filmed himself driving recklessly. Jakub Matusiak, 23, shared a video on social media in May that appeared to show him driving a Volvo at speed, veering off the road and accelerating across a park. He died in the early hours of Saturday morning alongside four others in the same vehicle. They have been named as Michael Cahill, 23, 17-year-old Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, 16, and 18-year-old Makai Saddington. They were in a Volkswagen Passat that was travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 in South Bank when it hit the police car. All five are understood to have been local to the area, and it is not yet known who was driving the car. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and 38-year-old Pc Tom Clough died when their marked armed response vehicle crashed into the Passat. All seven were declared dead at the scene. Their families are being offered specialist support. !Jakub Matusiak died in the crash, which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning Jakub Matusiak died in the crash, which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning As well as the video appearing to show Matusiak driving recklessly, he had posted another appearing to show himself and three other young men wearing balaclavas and riding motorcycles and e-bikes. Saddington also posted multiple TikTok videos appearing to show him taking part in high-speed police chases months before his death, The Daily Mail reported. The Mail said he and his companions had close links to the traveller community. It is thought that Saturday’s police pursuit of their vehicle had been abandoned shortly before the incident. Last year, Cleveland Police had circulated missing persons appeals for two of those who died. In May 2025, the police declared Worthy, then 16, to be missing from Middlesbrough and appealed for information. That October, police said that Saddington, then 17, had been found safe and well after an appeal. !Makai Saddington, 18, was one of the five people who died in the Passat Makai Saddington, 18, was one of the five people who died in the Passat !Theo Rae \(left\) and Cole Worthy, pictured on Facebook Theo Rae (left) and Cole Worthy, pictured on Facebook It emerged on Sunday that Pc Blades was a football coach who had been looking forward to coaching young players including his son at a local club. The father of two had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach in Hartlepool, and was preparing to coach its under-sevens Seahawks squad. Posting on social media, the club said: “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.” The club said it was flying its flags at half mast as a sign of respect, adding: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.” The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said the Volkswagen Passat was believed to have been using cloned plates that had activated an ANPR camera. Cleveland Police sent an armed response vehicle to pursue the vehicle, with the chase lasting just under seven minutes. The Passat then travelled onto the A66, against the flow of traffic, at which point officers aborted the pursuit. Ten seconds later the Passat collided with the police vehicle carrying Pc Blades and Pc Clough, which was not involved in the pursuit but was in the area to assist in a search for the Volkswagen. The IOPC said it had launched an independent investigation after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. Residents in the area said they had been woken by the sound of police cars. Neil Hutchinson, 47, said: “There were police cars tearing down the street at half past three with lights flashing and their sirens going – it woke me up. “Two cars went down the street, and then a few seconds later there was a third. It’s a narrow street with cars parked on either side, so it must have been a serious situation to be going at that speed down this road. “They were travelling in the direction of the A66, so it must have been part of the same incident.” !Police vehicles and a forensics tent parked on a dual carriageway surrounded by leafy green trees The fatal crash involved a police armed response vehicle and a VW Passat Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Victoria Fuller, the Cleveland Police Chief Constable, said the loss was “an incredibly sad day for Cleveland”. “The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies,” she added. “These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.” Lauren Somerville, who chairs the Cleveland Police Federation, said: “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today.” Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, described the crash as “devastating”.She said: “Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day. My thoughts are with all those affected, their families, friends, the emergency services who attended the scene and the wider police family.” Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, 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.” The A66 was closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston after the crash. A blue police tent was set up on the carriageway, and wreckage from the vehicles was seen scattered across the road. Join the conversation Show 2273 comments The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our commenting policy. Copy link The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our commenting policy. 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Jump to content Sections UK Edition Subscribe now Log in Login icon Follow us on: More from The Telegraph Neil Johnston Senior news reporter Show biography !Neil Johnston Neil covers breaking news, crime, and international investigations for The Telegraph Updated 22 August 2026 6:18pm BST Published 22 August 2026 9:10am BST Save This feature is available for registered users. Please register or log in to continue RegisterLog in Comment speech bubble icon 2697 Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link Gift this article free Gift article Give full access to this article, free time. You have 15 articles left to gift, this month. Log in or Subscribe Copy link !Emergency services at the scene of the crash, which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning Emergency services at the scene of the crash, which happened in the early hours of Saturday morning Credit: Will Walker/NNP Neil Johnston Senior news reporter Show biography !Neil Johnston Neil covers breaking news, crime, and international investigations for The Telegraph Updated 22 August 2026 6:18pm BST Published 22 August 2026 9:10am BST Two police officers are among seven people who died in a head-on crash following a pursuit. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when their marked armed response vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of Saturday morning. The officers, from Cleveland Police, and five members of the public in the Volkswagen were pronounced dead at the scene following the crash on on the A66 at around 3.40am. It is thought that a police pursuit in the area had been abandoned shortly before the incident. Footage has since emerged appearing to show a car being pursued along a nearby residential street by the police at 3.36am, minutes before the crash. Victoria Fuller, the force’s Chief Constable, said the loss was “an incredibly sad day for Cleveland”. “The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies,” she added. “These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.” Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister, 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.” The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that it was investigating the circumstances of the crash, but said it understood that the incident had taken place during the pursuit of “a suspicious vehicle”. “At this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began,” it said. “The car travelled onto the A66 in South Bank and collided with a police car at 3.39am. We can confirm that, sadly, multiple people have died in the collision.” Residents in the area said they had been woken by the sound of police cars. “There were police cars tearing down the street at half past three with lights flashing and their sirens going, it woke me up,” Neil Hutchinson, 47, said. “You could tell from the noise that they were travelling at high speed. Two cars went down the street and then a few seconds later there was a third, they were obviously going after another vehicle. “It’s a narrow street with cars parked on either side so it must have been a serious situation to be going at that speed down this road. “We woke up this morning to the news that people have been killed. They were travelling in the direction of the A66, so it must have been part of the same incident.” Another resident said: “A car shot down the street at speed, and the police were right behind it. They were all travelling at very high speed – it was terrifying and must have woken the whole street. It’s tragic that it’s ended with people dead.” !An investigation has been launched into the crash An investigation has been launched into the crash Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire The IOPC added that it had launched an independent investigation after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. The families of those identified have been informed, and are being offered specialist support. Speaking outside the force’s headquarters in in Middlesbrough, where flags flew at half mast, Chief Constable Fuller said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families of everyone involved in today’s incident. “No one should leave their home and not return safely, including police officers serving their communities and protecting the people of Cleveland. This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family.” Lauren Somerville, who chairs the Cleveland Police Federation, said: “Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today.” Anna Turley, the MP for the Redcar, 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. “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.” !Two serving officers in the police car died, and five people in the Volkswagen were killed Two serving officers in the police car died, and five people in the Volkswagen were killed Credit: Backgrid UK Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, described the crash as “devastating”. She said: “Cleveland Police have my support as they work to identify all those involved. Police officers put their own safety on the line to protect their communities every single day. The two officers were on active duty, serving the people of Cleveland. “My thoughts are with all those affected, their families, friends, the emergency services who attended the scene and the wider police family.” Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley Mayor, told the Press Association: “A horrible and tragic incident in South Bank this morning, and my thoughts are with those affected, their families and the emergency services who attended the scene. “Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us and I know all of Teesside will want to pay tribute to the officers and other emergency service workers involved for the bravery they have shown in responding to this incident.” The A66 remained closed in both directions between Normanby Road and Church Lane in Eston after the crash. A blue police tent has been set up on the carriageway, and wreckage from the vehicles could be seen scattered across the road. A spokesman for the North East Ambulance Service said: “We sent 14 ambulance resources to the scene, including emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, our hazardous area response team and a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service. “Sadly, despite the best efforts of everyone attending, a number of patients died at the scene. We send condolences to all of those affected by such a tragic event, and thank everyone for all they did to help.” Join the conversation Show 2697 comments The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our commenting policy. Copy link The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our commenting policy. Related Topics Cleveland Police, Middlesbrough, Road accident License this content You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. Find out more here. Log In Subscribe Advertisement More stories Gary Lineker shares post linking Zionism to Nazis !Image of Gary Lineker shares post linking Zionism to Nazis Russia sabotages weapons factories across Europe !Image of Russia sabotages weapons factories across Europe Police officer killed in head-on crash was Iraq war veteran !Image of Police officer killed in head-on crash was Iraq war veteran Why Britain’s youngest royal couple are doing things the old-fashioned way !Image of Why Britain’s youngest royal couple are doing things the old-fashioned way Man killed in police chase crash shared video of himself joyriding !Image of Man killed in police chase crash shared video of himself joyriding Newcastle and Liverpool serve up thrilling tribute to Kevin Keegan !Image of Newcastle and Liverpool serve up thrilling tribute to Kevin Keegan More from News Burnham hands Storm Shadow blueprints to Ukraine !Prime Minister Andy Burnham speaks with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during their visit to HM Naval Base in Portsmouth on July 27, 2026 Grandson of Soviet spy runs for French presidency !Raphael Glucksmann Light aircraft pilot seriously injured in crash !An aerial view of the airfield in Hampshire Ignore Labour MPs opposing migration reforms, Mahmood told !Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood arrives at Downing Street for the weekly Government cabinet meeting, on June 9, 2026 Reform: We’ll send jobless to back of council house queue !Richard Tice * Badenoch: Arday’s death is being used to attack press freedom !Jason Arday, the former Cambridge professor, 'was used in his life by certain quarters, and now his death is being used by others to further a different agenda', Kemi Badenoch has said More from The Telegraph NHS prostate screening limited to just 1,500 men !Image of NHS prostate screening limited to just 1,500 men Watch: England cricketer Brydon Carse handcuffed after nightclub incident !Image of Watch: England cricketer Brydon Carse handcuffed after nightclub incident Emily Atack hires McDonald’s van for ‘perfect’ wedding !Image of Emily Atack hires McDonald’s van for ‘perfect’ wedding Frustrated Russell fails to make up ground as Norris wins incident-packed Dutch GP !Image of Frustrated Russell fails to make up ground as Norris wins incident-packed Dutch GP Gender-fluid police given male and female warrant cards !Image of Gender-fluid police given male and female warrant cards Emery calls on Watkins to explain absence as Aston Villa humiliated !Image of Emery calls on Watkins to explain absence as Aston Villa humiliated

Jump to content Sections UK Edition Subscribe now Log in Login icon Follow us on: More from The Telegraph Daisy Graham-Brown . Samuel Montgomery News Reporter Updated 24 August 2026 6:13pm BST Published 24 August 2026 1:55pm BST Save This feature is available for registered users. Please register or log in to continue RegisterLog in Share article Log in or Subscribe Copy link Gift this article free Gift article Give full access to this article, free time. You have 15 articles left to gift, this month. Log in or Subscribe Copy link !Emergency services at the scene of the crash on Saturday morning Emergency services at the scene of the crash on Saturday morning Credit: Will Walker / NNP Daisy Graham-Brown . Samuel Montgomery News Reporter Updated 24 August 2026 6:13pm BST Published 24 August 2026 1:55pm BST The joyriders who died in a head-on collision that killed two police officers had 37 previous convictions. Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Worthy, 17, and Jakub Matusiak, 23, had each pleaded guilty to multiple offences in the three years before the crash. Only Michael Cahill, 23, did not have prior convictions. A Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 near Middlesbrough hit a police car in the early hours of Saturday morning. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were driving in the marked police vehicle when they were killed. Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have since been detained in connection with the crash. Some of those were suspected of “participating in the activities of an organised crime group”, drug dealing and possessing firearms, Cleveland Police said. !Pcs Tom Clough and Matthew Blades died in the crash on the A66 following a police pursuit Pcs Tom Clough and Matthew Blades died in the crash on the A66 Credit: Cleveland Police Of the five joyriders who died in the collision, Worthy, Saddington and Rae had all pleaded guilty to separate offences of assaulting a police officer, while Matusiak had pleaded guilty to one count of driving without a licence and another of driving without insurance in March this year. Rae had 12 shoplifting offences between October 2023 and May 2024, as well as one theft of a vehicle, three thefts from a vehicle, two offences of aggravated vehicle taking and one offence of cannabis possession. Saddington had pleaded guilty to possessing a class C drug and possessing a knife in a public place, both in May 2025, as well as four offences of assaulting a police officer and one of racially aggravated intentional harassment. Worthy had pleaded guilty to four driving offences in June. He had also pleaded guilty to using abusive language in 2024 and failing to surrender to custody in 2025. In total, the four pleaded guilty to 37 different offences between October 2023 and June 2026. !Makai Saddington, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Michael Cahill and Jakub Matusiak \(left to right\) Makai Saddington, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Michael Cahill and Jakub Matusiak (left to right) The Telegraph previously reported that Saddington had pleaded guilty to the racial abuse and assault of a police officer. A HM Courts & Tribunals Service spokesman said the teenager, of no fixed address, had assaulted a Cleveland Police sergeant and caused racially aggravated alarm or distress to a constable on June 9. He admitted the offences at Teesside magistrates’ court on July 17 and was handed a 12-month conditional discharge. The spokesman added that Saddington appeared before the same court on April 1, where he admitted three counts of assaulting a constable in Middlesbrough on Oct 11. He was told to pay £240 in court costs and fulfil rehabilitation requirements. Officers said they had received several reports on Saturday morning of two vehicles being driven dangerously. The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was seen ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. Police then received reports of a second vehicle, the Volkswagen Passat, which was believed to be linked to the Volvo. Both vehicles were operating with cloned number plates to avoid detection but were picked up by the force’s automated recognition technology. The Volvo involved in the initial report has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the criminal investigation. Twelve people arrested Four men have since been arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon. The men, aged 19, 24 and 35, remain in police custody, while a 21-year-old has been remanded on recall to prison and is also arrested on suspicion of criminal damage. A 20-year-old man has also been arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and public disorder, while a 30-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both remain in police custody. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, and possession of class C drugs. A 47-year-old woman and 39-year-old man were granted conditional bail, while an 18-year-old man was released on unconditional bail. A 61-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, and a 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill. Both have been released on conditional bail. Cameron George, 26, from Redcar, was charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of criminal property. ‘Links to serious and organised criminal activity’ Asst Chief Constable Wayne Fox said: “This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.” He added: “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. “Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy.” Advertisement More stories Race Across The World star dies year after son killed in car crash !Image of Race Across The World star dies year after son killed in car crash Anti-Islam riots lead to 22 arrests !Image of Anti-Islam riots lead to 22 arrests Fox attacks sleeping baby after sneaking into home !Image of Fox attacks sleeping baby after sneaking into home Lewis Hamilton’s anger is refreshing for F1 and shows he cares again !Image of Lewis Hamilton’s anger is refreshing for F1 and shows he cares again Gary Lineker is done disguising his true views on the Jewish state !Image of Gary Lineker is done disguising his true views on the Jewish state David Warner convicted of drink-driving despite plea over media ‘savagery’ !Image of David Warner convicted of drink-driving despite plea over media ‘savagery’ More from News Suspected burglar charged over death of great-grandmother !Rose Smith, 75, died in hospital following a break-in at her north London home Police give Fayed file to prosecutors !Mohamed Fayed James Blunt shares article denying Hayden Panettiere rumours !Since Panettiere's death, theories began circulating that Blunt was the British singer she wrote about in her memoir BBC makes fresh attempt to block Trump defamation case !Donald Trump Israel threatens to strike Gaza over kite flying !A small boy is seen flying a kite next to a refugee tent in the ruins of Gaza City in May 2025 * Masked youths fly balloons for joyrider killed in wrong-way crash !Balloons released in tribute More from The Telegraph Death crash joyrider had attacked police officers !Image of Death crash joyrider had attacked police officers Burnham to press ahead with £100m stealth tax raid on law firms !Image of Burnham to press ahead with £100m stealth tax raid on law firms Illegal ravers descend on Norfolk’s Little Snoring !Image of Illegal ravers descend on Norfolk’s Little Snoring Deadly sharks have arrived in Europe’s seaside holiday hotspots – should you be worried? !Image of Deadly sharks have arrived in Europe’s seaside holiday hotspots – should you be worried? 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Twelve people have died in less than a week in separate crashes in Britain and Ireland involving vehicles being driven on the wrong side of major roads, with authorities warning that dangerous driving is being encouraged by social media. Seven people, including two serving police officers, were killed early Saturday after a car travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 near Middlesbrough in northeastern England collided head-on with a marked police vehicle, according to police. The deaths take the toll from the recent UK and Irish crashes to 12. Reuters reported that the collision happened around 3:39 am near South Bank, east of Middlesbrough. Cleveland Police said all occupants of both vehicles died at the scene. Police said a Volkswagen Passat carrying five people was travelling on the wrong side of the A66 when it struck the police car, which was travelling in the correct direction. The circumstances surrounding the crash are still being investigated. The two officers killed were identified as Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said. Police were working to formally identify the other victims and said their families had been informed and offered specialist support. "This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family," Fuller said. The crash followed a police pursuit of a suspicious vehicle, Reuters reported. The Independent Office for Police Conduct will review the incident, as is standard in cases involving police. The deaths came days after five teenagers were killed in Ireland when their car was travelling the wrong way on the M9 motorway west of Dublin and collided head-on with another vehicle. Four people in the second car, including a child, were seriously injured. AFP reported that the Irish crash was part of a series of recent incidents involving vehicles being driven the wrong way on motorways. Authorities have linked some of the incidents to a social media trend in which dangerous driving is recorded and shared online. After the fatal Irish crash, Ireland's taoiseach, or prime minister, Micheal Martin said it was the latest in a series of such incidents. "There can be no tolerance for this reckless behaviour that we have seen on our roads recently. It must stop," he said. Irish police chief Justin Kelly said a similar crash had occurred on Dublin's M50 motorway a week earlier. He warned that "what makes this reckless behaviour even more appalling is that in some cases it is being done for social media". The M50 crash involved a stolen vehicle carrying teenagers that was driven the wrong way, causing multiple serious injuries. Reuters reported that Irish authorities have also raised concerns about social media platforms amplifying dangerous driving. An Irish parliamentary committee has asked TikTok to explain how it removes content "that appears to glorify dangerous and illegal behaviour on our roads". Ireland's media regulator made a similar request on Tuesday. In another incident earlier this month, footage filmed inside a stolen car being pursued by police also emerged on social media, further fuelling concerns about videos promoting reckless driving. The recent crashes have prompted renewed scrutiny of the role of social media in encouraging dangerous behaviour on major roads, as police and authorities in Britain and Ireland investigate the circumstances behind the fatal collisions.

Twelve people have been arrested in connection with criminal activity allegedly linked to a crash on the UK's A66 that killed seven people, including two police officers. Cleveland Police said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, were detained as part of a wider investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision near Middlesbrough. The crash happened when a Volkswagen Passat travelling in the wrong direction on the A66 collided with a marked armed response vehicle carrying PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. Both officers died in the collision. Five men travelling in the Passat also died. They were aged between 17 and 23 and were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said those arrested are suspected of offences ranging from firearm possession to involvement in an organised crime group. Four of the five men who died in the Passat had previously been convicted of offences, according to investigators. Investigation into criminal activity The arrests form part of what Cleveland Police described as a large-scale investigation into criminal activity connected to the fatal collision. Officers from Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire police forces have assisted with the investigation. Police have also recovered a Volvo XC60 which investigators believe was connected to the activities of people travelling in the Passat. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox said the investigation had involved serious and organised crime and would continue. He said: “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.” Fox also paid tribute to the two officers who died and said colleagues had continued working despite the impact of their deaths. He added that the incident would have a lasting effect on the Cleveland community and thanked members of the public and police forces for their support. Cleveland Police has also addressed reports of an increase in videos showing dangerous driving being shared online. The force said there was “no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities that took place on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for TikTok”

In the United Kingdom, police arrested 12 people as part of an investigation into the circumstances of a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough, in which seven people were killed, including two police officers. As The Guardian reports, those arrested include nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61. Suspicions in the case According to Cleveland Police, the detainees are suspected of a number of offences, including possession of firearms and involvement in the activities of an organised crime group. These suspicions are linked to the investigation into events preceding the fatal crash. Police said they received reports of two cars being driven dangerously on 22 August. The Volkswagen Passat that collided with the police car of constables Matthew Blades and Tom Clough had previously been sought in connection with a Volvo XC60. More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram. Cars with cloned registration plates According to law enforcement officials, the Volvo XC60 was seen ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. Both vehicles had cloned registration plates, but they were captured by an automatic number plate recognition system. The Volvo XC60 was later found and seized in Middlesbrough. Police also said that four of the five people in the Volkswagen Passat, including three teenagers, had previous convictions. Law enforcement officials noted that they currently have no evidence that the events of Friday night and Saturday morning were filmed for TikTok. Read us on Telegram and Sends

The police pursuit of a Volkswagen Passat endedaround 10 seconds before it collided with another Cleveland Police vehicle in a crash which killed seven people, the police watchdog has revealed. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has released further details of its investigation into the devastating collision on theA66 at South Bank, which claimed the lives of five men travelling in the Passat and two serving police officers. Cleveland Police had received intelligence linking the Volkswagen to a number of incidents before the vehicle was located. An armed response vehicle subsequently began pursuing the Passat. According to the IOPC, analysis of police in-car footage shows the pursuit lastedjust under seven minutes. The Passat then entered the A66 and began travellingagainst the flow of traffic. Officers pursuing the vehicle abandoned the chase at that point and continued travelling on the correct side of the carriageway. Investigators have now established thatapproximately 10 seconds after the pursuit was terminated, the Passat collided with another Cleveland Police vehicle. The collision happened at around3.39am. The police vehicle involved in thefatal collisionhadnot been taking part in the pursuit. It was in the area assisting with a search after an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera alerted officers to a vehicle believed to be displaying cloned registration plates. Both police officers travelling in the vehicle were killed. They have been named asPC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Cloughof Cleveland Police. All five male occupants of the Volkswagen Passat also died. They have been named asMichael Cahill, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jacob Matusiak and Makai Saddington. The IOPC’s independent investigation is examining the circumstances surrounding the police pursuit and the events immediately before the collision. Investigators have already obtainedpolice in-car footage, incident logs and initial accounts from officers involved in the pursuit. Further evidence continues to be gathered and analysed. IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said the watchdog’s thoughts remained with the families, friends and everyone affected by the tragedy. The IOPC said its investigation remains ongoing and it will not make further comment at this stage. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller has confirmed that she and Deputy Chief Constable Dave Sutherland visited the families of the two officers who died. Speaking outside Cleveland Police headquarters in Middlesbrough, Ms Fuller said: “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. “The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies.” The force said support continues to be provided to the officers’ families as well as police officers and staff affected by the tragedy. We are your go-to destination for breaking UK news, real-life stories from communities across the country, striking images, and must-see video from the heart of the action. Follow us onFacebookatfor the latest updates and developing stories, and stay connected onX(Twitter)theforlive coverageas news breaks across the UK. SIGN UP NOW FOR YOUR FREE DAILY BREAKING NEWS AND PICTURES NEWSLETTER Your information will be used in accordance with ourPrivacy Policy ©UKNIP 2026 “UKNIP”, “UKNIP247”, “UK News in Pictures” are Part of Nine Five Media Group. This service is provided on Nine Five Media Group’sStandard Terms and Conditionsin accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. View our online Press Pack. For other inquiries,Contact Us. To see all content on UKNIP, please use the Site Map. The UKNIP website is not regulated by theIndependent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes.For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link:uknip.co.uk/editorial-complaints/. ©UKNIP 2025 “UKNIP”, “UKNIP247”, “UK News in Pictures” are Part of Nine Five Media Group. This service is provided on Nine Five Media Group’sStandard Terms and Conditionsin accordance with ourPrivacy & Cookie Policy. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit ourSyndicationsite.View our online Press Pack.For other inquiries,Contact Us. To see all content on UKNIP, please use the Site Map. The UKNIP website is not regulated by theIndependent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes.For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link:uknip.co.uk/editorial-complaints/.

Aug. 22 (UPI) --Five teenagers and two police officers were killed in Britain after the squad car was struck by a car going the wrong way Saturday. A Volkswagen Passat with five male teenagers had been traveling in the wrong direction on A66 near Middlesbrough around 3:30 a.m. local time when it collided with the marked police vehicle, theBBCreported. A 14-unit team of first responders rushed to the scene, where they confirmed all seven people were dead. The five teenagers, all in their late teens, have not been identified. The officers were identified as constables Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, theGuardianreported. Chief Constable Victoria Fuller, of Cleveland police, said they were "brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn't return home to their families at the end of their shift." "The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies," she told the Guardian. U.K. Prime MinisterAndy Burnhamsaid in a statement he was "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," he said in a statement on X. "Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances." "I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time," the prime minister added.

Two officers killed in A66 crash pictured as families issue heartbreaking tributes 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. Read more: First photos of five young men killed driving wrong way down motorway who hit police car 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." Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source.

The two officers who were killed when a car driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle have been described as heroes by their loved ones. Pc Matthew Blades, 37, died alongside Pc Tom Clough, 38, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated. Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were also pronounced dead at the scene in Teesside early on Saturday. Cleveland Police had launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, which activated an ANPR camera and is believed to have been using cloned plates, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said. Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat. Family members described former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. The wife of father-of-two Pc Blades called him “our superhero”, and said: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.” Donations poured into a fundraiser for their families, surpassing £200,000 about six hours after the link was first shared on social media by organisers at the Cleveland Police Federation. A second crowdfunder for their families had raised more than £26,400 on Sunday night. Tributes for the five young men were also shared on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”. Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank. One message, dedicated to all five, said: “We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads.” The Passat they were travelling in was spotted and an armed response vehicle pursued for just under seven minutes before the car drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway. The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after it ceased. In a statement issued by Cleveland Police, Pc Blades’ wife called him “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”. 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”. It added: “He was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team.” His 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. “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness. “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.” Earlier on Sunday, Pc Clough’s family 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.” 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. Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the accident happened, on Sunday paid condolences to the deceased and said the “whole community is reeling here today”, describing Cleveland Police as a “close-knit” force. Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey echoed the sentiment, telling Sky News: “It is a small place, and the force is a really tight-knit family, really, and I think it will have a big impact on them.” A silent prayer vigil will be held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank on Monday.

Skip to main content All Sections News you can trust since 1754 Sign In Subscribe Latest News Politics Environment Education Health Transport Crime Weather People Obituaries UK News World Read This Heritage Property Lifestyle Food and Drink What's On Shopping Cars Sport Football Rugby League Cricket Other Sport Nostalgia Sport Opinion Opinion Business Country & Farming e-Paper Advertise Public Notices A66 crash: family hail police officer killed in horror smash as 'our hero' The family of one of the two officers killed when a car driving the wrong way down the A66 crashed into their police vehicle said he was “our hero” who was “always on public duty”. By Ralph Blackburn Westminster Correspondent Published 23rd Aug 2026, 14:37 BST Updated 23rd Aug 2026, 17:46 BST Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat that was travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough collided with their marked armed response vehicle that was going in the right direction. The five males in the car - including two children - also died at the scene on Saturday morning. 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.” Pc Clough is understood to have served in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming a police officer. !Pc Tom Clough who tragically died in the line of duty in the A66 horror crash. Credit: Cleveland Police/PA Wire!placeholder image Pc Tom Clough who tragically died in the line of duty in the A66 horror crash. Credit: Cleveland Police/PA Wire | Cleveland Police/PA Wire Husband and father-of-two Pc Blades had recently become a Seaton Carew FC coach and was preparing for his first turn teaching its under-sevens Seahawks squad. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season,” the club said on social media. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family.” !Flowers left near to the scene on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough following a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat in which seven people died, including two police officers, following a police pursuit in the early hours of Saturday morning. Credit: Richard McCarthy/PA Wire!placeholder image Flowers left near to the scene on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough following a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat in which seven people died, including two police officers, following a police pursuit in the early hours of Saturday morning. Credit: Richard McCarthy/PA Wire | Richard McCarthy/PA Wire Ex-frontline responder Graham Wettone, who served in the Metropolitan Police for more than three decades, said Cleveland Police staff “will literally know most people” in the force and the effect of the crash will be “massive”. Cleveland police and crime commissioner Matt Storey also described the force as a “really tight-knit family” and said the incident “will have a big impact on them”. On Saturday, Cleveland Police chief constable Victoria Fuller said: “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies. “These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift. “My thoughts and thoughts of everybody here at Cleveland Police are with their family, friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. “Early today the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom’s families to offer our condolences, support one another and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.” Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he was left “devastated” to hear about the crash. !Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller speaking to the media at the force's Headquarters in Middlesbrough. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire!placeholder image Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller speaking to the media at the force's Headquarters in Middlesbrough. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire | Owen Humphreys/PA Wire The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the lead-up to the crash at 3.39am on Saturday in South Bank, Middlesborough, after a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police. Officers had spotted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began before the car travelled onto the A66 and collided with a police car, the watchdog said. It is understood the police vehicle Pc Blades and Pc Clough were travelling in was not part of the pursuit. Ex-Met officer Mr Wettone said that colleagues “all know each other” in the smaller UK forces he has worked with. He said: “If I bump into an ex-Met officer then within within 30 seconds we’ll know someone together, we’ll have a common common link. !Police officers at the scene of the fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66!placeholder image Police officers at the scene of the fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat on the A66 “In forces like Cleveland, they will literally know most people.” Cleveland Police had a workforce of 2,647 in March 2024, including police officers, police community support officers, special constables, police staff and police staff volunteers, according to a previous review. The Met had around 30,000 officers when Mr Wettone served there, he said. Read More * Moreover, a “significant policing career” is usually required to be an armed response officer, as Pc Blades and Pc Clough were, he added. He said: “They’ve worked their way through police response teams, police community teams, and in such a small force, they will be very, very well known amongst the force itself, so it has a massive impact.” The armed response unit will also be small with the same crews turning up to certain calls, he added. “Most of the response teams in Cleveland will know at least one, if not both, of those officers”, he said. Related topics:Cleveland Police News you can trust since 1754 Sign In Subscribe Follow us © 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice

Skip to main content All Sections News you can trust since 1754 Sign In Subscribe Latest News Politics Environment Education Health Transport Crime Weather People Obituaries UK News World Read This Heritage Property Lifestyle Food and Drink What's On Shopping Cars Sport Football Rugby League Cricket Other Sport Nostalgia Sport Opinion Opinion Business Country & Farming e-Paper Advertise Public Notices A66 crash: Police officers among seven killed as 12 arrested in organised crime probe By Rachael Grealish Search and Trends Writer Published 24th Aug 2026, 14:42 BST Updated 24th Aug 2026, 17:46 BST Twelve people have been arrested in an investigation into criminal activity before a crash which killed seven, including two police officers. On the morning of Saturday (Aug 22), Cleveland Police received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously. The first vehicle, believed to be a Volvo XC60, was witnessed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area. A second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is believed to have been associated with the activities of the Volvo XC60. Both vehicles were operating with cloned number plates to avoid detection but were picked up by Cleveland Police's automated number plate recognition technology. A fatal crash subsequently claimed the lives of seven people, including PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough. !Flowers left near to the scene on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough following a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat in which seven people died, including two police officers, following a police pursuit in the early hours of Saturday morning. Richard McCarthy/PA Wire!placeholder image Flowers left near to the scene on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough following a fatal crash involving a police car and a Volkswagen Passat in which seven people died, including two police officers, following a police pursuit in the early hours of Saturday morning. Richard McCarthy/PA Wire Cleveland Police has since launched a wide-scale investigation into the criminality which took place before the fatal crash. The Volvo XC60 involved in the initial reports has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the criminal investigation. Throughout the weekend, Cleveland Police was supported by officers and staff from Durham, Northumbria and North Yorkshire Police as enquiries continued into the circumstances which led to the fatal crash. Those enquiries resulted in the arrests of 12 people across Teesside. Nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61 have been arrested on suspicion of several offences including: A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon and is currently in police custody A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon and is currently in police custody A 30-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and is in police custody A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group and possession of an offensive weapon and is in police custody A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of participating in an organised crime group, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. He has been remanded on recall to prison A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of threats to cause criminal damage and public order and is in police custody A 61-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate and has been released on conditional bail A 47-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs and has been released on conditional bail A 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs and has been released on unconditional bail A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm without a certificate, possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of class C drugs and has been released on conditional bail A 26-year-old man, of Micklow Close in Redcar, has been charged with possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs and possession of criminal property A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of threats to kill and has been released on conditional bail Four of the occupants of the Passat had previous police convictions. Police said there is currently no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities which took place on Friday night and Saturday morning was carried out for the purposes of TikTok. Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said: "This has been a fast moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity. !A fatal crash subsequently claimed the lives of seven people, including PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough!placeholder image A fatal crash subsequently claimed the lives of seven people, including PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough “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.’ “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.” Related topics:Cleveland PolicePropertiescrashNorth Yorkshire PoliceMiddlesbrough Most Popular 'Yorkshire lad' is first Briton to die fighting for Putin in... 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