In the early hours of Saturday, the A66 near Middlesbrough became the site of a tragedy that has left a community in mourning and a police force grappling with an unimaginable loss. Police constables Matthew Blades and Tom Clough were among seven people killed when their marked police car collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66 in North Yorkshire.
Victoria Fuller, chief constable of Cleveland police, called it an “incredibly sad day” for the force, noting that the loss has been felt across communities, the police family, and partner agencies. She described Blades and Clough as “brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift.”
Fuller visited the families of both officers to offer condolences and support, because sometimes a hug and a promise of a thorough investigation is all you have. The force confirmed that all occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it understood the officers were pursuing a suspicious vehicle when the accident occurred at 3.39am. The IOPC has launched a mandatory investigation and is working with Cleveland police to establish the circumstances.
“This tragic incident will be felt across Cleveland, within our communities and throughout the entire policing family,” Fuller added, promising specialist support for all families involved. She also urged the public to avoid speculation, which is, of course, the first thing everyone does.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham took to X on Saturday afternoon to express his devastation, noting that two police officers and five members of the public lost their lives. He thanked the emergency services and, in a move that surprises no one, urged people to avoid speculation.
The North East ambulance service sent 14 units to the scene, including ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a hazardous area response team, and a doctor from Great North air ambulance service. A spokesperson offered condolences and thanked everyone for their efforts, because sometimes all you can do is say thank you.
Mahmood, whose role wasn't specified but who clearly has opinions, 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.” He extended thoughts to all affected, including the wider police family.
Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, 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.”
This crash marks the first time in 14 years that more than one police officer has died on duty while responding to the same incident. The last time was in September 2012, when Greater Manchester police officers Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, were killed in a gun and grenade attack in Mottram, Tameside, during what appeared to be a routine burglary call. They were lured to their deaths by Dale Cregan, now 43, who was given a whole-life jail term in 2013.