The two officers who were killed when a car driving the wrong way on a dual carriageway crashed into their police vehicle have been described as heroes by their loved ones.
Pc Matthew Blades, 37, died alongside Pc Tom Clough, 38, when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, hit the marked armed response vehicle seconds after the chase was terminated.
Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak were also pronounced dead at the scene in Teesside early on Saturday.
[xdelx]Cleveland Police had launched the chase after receiving intelligence relating to “numerous incidents” linked to a Passat, which is believed to have been using cloned plates, investigating watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct said.
Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit, but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat.
Family members described former Civil Nuclear Constabulary officer Pc Clough as “our hero” who was “always on public duty”.
The wife of father-of-two Pc Blades called him “our superhero”, and said: “He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.”
Donations poured into a fundraiser for their families, surpassing £125,000 about four-and-a-half hours after the link was first shared on social media by organisers at the Cleveland Police Federation.
A second crowdfunder for their families had raised £20,000 by Sunday night.
Tributes for the five young men were also shared on social media, with many of their friends saying they “can’t believe it” and were “heartbroken” and “lost for words”.
Balloon releases have been announced in their memory, on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, at different locations including in South Bank.
One message, dedicated to all five, said: “We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads.”
The Passat they were travelling in was spotted and an armed response vehicle pursued for just under seven minutes before the car drove on to the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic.
Police aborted the chase and continued to travel on the correct side of the carriageway.
The Passat crashed into Pc Blades and Pc Clough’s vehicle around 10 seconds after it ceased.
In a statement issued by Cleveland Police, Pc Blades’ wife called him “my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys”.
She added: “He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle.
“He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.
“He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.
“Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.”
She added: “Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad.”
Earlier on Sunday, Pc Clough’s family said: “He was our hero with a fantastic sense 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.”
It continued: “We as a family and Tom’s partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”
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