Families of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough said they were heroes after the two officers died in a crash near Middlesbrough on the A66. Their marked armed response car was hit by a Volkswagen Passat moments after officers had been pursuing it, and all five Passat occupants also died.
WHO:Families of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough; Cleveland Police
WHAT:Tributes released after PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough were killed in a crash involving a Volkswagen Passat and their marked armed response car
WHEN:Aug 22, 2026
WHERE:A66 near Middlesbrough
WHY:The officers and Passat occupants died in the reported collision; the cause of the crash was not reported.
