Fundraisers for families of police officers killed in A66 crash top £250,000

Pc Tom Clough (left) and PC Matthew Blades, who died when a car going in the wrong direction hit a police car on the A66 near Middlesbrough (Cleveland Police/PA) PA Media Pol Allingham 2 minutes ago More than £250,000 has been raised for the families of two police officers who died when a car driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway crashed into their vehicle.

Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated in Teesside.

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 near Middlesbrough early on Saturday.

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.

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”.

Pc Matthew Blades (Cleveland Police/PA) PA Media 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.”