King Charles has written personally to the families of two Cleveland Police officers who died in a devastating head-on crash on the A66.
Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38, were killed when their marked police vehicle was struck by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway at South Bank in the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
The King is understood to have contacted the officers’ heartbroken families to express his condolences following the tragedy, which claimed seven lives.
A royal source told the Mirror: “His Majesty the King was shocked by the devastating events and wrote personally to the families of the police officers involved to express his deepest sympathies for their loss.”
The royal message comes amid a huge outpouring of support for the two officers, who Cleveland Police described as brave men who died while serving and protecting their communities.
Pc Blades and Pc Clough were travelling in a marked Armed Response Vehicle when it collided with the Passat at around 3.39am. Both officers died at the scene.
Five people travelling in the Passat were also killed. They have been named as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Jakub Matusiak, 23, and Michael Robert Cahill, 23.
Cleveland Police said the Passat had been travelling in the wrong direction when it struck the officers’ vehicle. The force has since launched a major investigation into suspected criminal activity which took place before the crash.
Tributes have poured in for both officers since their deaths.
Pc Blades’ wife described him as her “beloved husband”, “best friend” and a devoted father to their two young sons, saying he had served others with “courage, dedication and selflessness”.
Football supporters are also being asked to pay their respects before Middlesbrough FC’s Championship fixture against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The club has asked fans to honour Pc Blades and Pc Clough immediately before the 12.30pm kick-off at the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough FC said: “Immediately before kick-off, we’re asking supporters to join us in paying respects to Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, the two Cleveland police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty last weekend.
“We are also showing our appreciation for the dedication and hard work of both men, and to Cleveland Police force in protecting and supporting our local community.”
A fundraising appeal set up by the Cleveland Police Federation for the officers’ families has also received an extraordinary response, raising more than £1.1million.
Read more
Police officers died from head and neck injuries in A66 crash, inquest opening hears
Causes of death for five men who died in A66 crash confirmed as inquests opened
Minute's silence held for police officers who died in A66 crash
The appeal said the officers had gone to work to serve their community and protect the public before making the “ultimate sacrifice” in the line of duty.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said following the crash that the deaths would be felt across Cleveland, its communities and the wider policing family.
She said: “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.”
The collision has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is mandatory following a death connected to a police incident.
Share