Schools to close early for A66 crash funeral amid safety concerns
Four schools have said they will close early on Friday amid safety concerns over a funeral linked to a crash which killed seven people.
It is understood the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, 23, one of five young men killed in the head-on collision with a marked police car on the A66, is due to take place in Middlesbrough.
The crash happened near South Bank on 22 August when a Volkswagen Passat travelled the wrong way on the dual carriageway and hit a police car. Two police officers in the vehicle, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were also killed.
Headteachers warned parents large crowds were expected to gather in the South Bank area for the funeral, with traffic disruption likely.
The decision to close the schools was taken following discussions between local headteachers and Redcar and Cleveland Council.
In an open letter, Conservative MP Laura Trott called on Education Secretary Lucy Powell to ensure the schools remain open.
The shadow education secretary also called for sufficient police support to be provided to keep schools in the area safe.
The Department of Education (DofE) has been contacted by the BBC for a response.
Cleveland Police said they were expecting the event to cause traffic disruption and delays, adding it had plans in place to ensure public safety.
South Bank Primary School and Outwood Academy Normanby are among the four schools which have confirmed they will close at lunchtime because of concerns about the impact of the funeral on pupils, staff and families.
Archway Academy in Teesville has confirmed it will close at 11:45 BST and St Margaret Clitherow's Catholic Primary School in South Bank at 12:15.
South Bank Primary School said it was closing early "to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils".
Headteacher Tammy Cooper said large numbers of people were expected in the area for the funeral at St John's Church on Normanby Road.
The school also said some pupils might feel "upset or anxious" about the funeral and that its pastoral team would be available to provide support.
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