Police officers Tom Clough and Matthew Blades honored following fatal A66 crash

Funeral services are being held for police officers Tom Clough, 38, and Matthew Blades, 37, following a fatal collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough. The incident occurred on August 22 when a Volkswagen Passat, which had been the subject of a police pursuit, collided head-on with the officers' marked armed response vehicle. Five occupants of the Volkswagen also died at the scene.

PC Clough’s service included roles in the British Army, the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, and the British Transport Police. Lauren Somerville, Chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, described Clough as being ‘so full of fun’ and someone who ‘gave everything to everybody.’

A fundraiser established by the police federation for the families of the two officers has raised over £1.2 million, which will be split equally between them.