The family of one of the two officers killed when a car driving the wrong way on the A66 dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle said he was “our hero” who was “always on public duty”.
Pc Tom Clough, 38, died alongside Pc Matthew Blades, 37, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle in Teesside early on Saturday.
Five males aged between 17 and 23 years who were travelling in the Volkswagen were also killed.
Pc Clough’s family said in a statement issued by Cleveland Police: “He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.
“Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.”
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