Middlesbrough supporters have paid an emotional tribute to two Cleveland Police officers killed in the devastating A66 crash.
Fans at the Riverside Stadium joined in remembering PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, ahead of Boro's Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
The two officers died in the line of duty after their marked police vehicle was struck by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66 at South Bank, less than two miles from the Riverside, in the early hours of Saturday, August 22.
Before kick-off, supporters joined in applause to pay their respects to the two men and recognise their service to communities across Teesside.
Ahead of the fixture, the club 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.”
PC Blades and PC Clough were travelling in a marked Armed Response Vehicle when the collision happened at around 3.39am.
Five people travelling in the Passat also died. They have been named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jakub Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.
Inquests opened on Thursday heard PC Blades and PC Clough both died from head and neck injuries.
PC Blades, a dad-of-two who lived in Hartlepool, has also been remembered for his work coaching youngsters at local football clubs.
Hartlepool United supporters held a two-minute silence for both officers before the club's game against Eastleigh on Friday night, with members of PC Blades' family joining players in the centre circle.
Two police hats were placed on the pitch in memory of the officers.
PC Blades' wife has described him as her “beloved husband”, “best friend” and a devoted father who gave his life while protecting others.
She said: “No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt - my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.
“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.
“The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same.”
King Charles III has also written personally to the families of both officers to express his condolences.
A royal source told the Mirror the King had been “shocked by the devastating events” and had written to the families to express his deepest sympathies.
Meanwhile, a fundraising appeal launched by the Cleveland Police Federation for the officers' families has raised more than £1.1million.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller previously described PC Blades and PC Clough as “brave officers” who had been protecting their communities and serving residents when they were killed.
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More than 200 additional police officers have been deployed across Teesside following a series of serious incidents during the past week.
Police have said the A66 crash and a fatal house fire in Grangetown, which killed a seven-year-old girl and her aunt, are not being linked.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the A66 collision and alleged criminal activity before the crash remains ongoing.
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