"We stand together": South Yorkshire Police pay tribute to Cleveland officers killed in deadly crash
PCs Matthew Blades and Tom Clough were killed in a crash involving a car going the wrong way
Last updated 24th Aug 2026
South Yorkshire Police have paid tribute to two officers killed in a deadly crash in Cleveland, saying "we stand together".
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who both worked for Cleveland Police, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat – which had been pursued by police – was driven the wrong way along a dual carriageway and hit their marked armed response vehicle.
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.
A spokesperson for the South Yorkshire force wrote: "Our thoughts are with the families, friends, colleagues and everyone at Cleveland Police following the death of PCs Matthew Blades and Tom Clough."
"The loss of two officers reaches far beyond geographical boundaries; it is felt across the entire policing family. To lose colleagues in such devastating circumstances is a reminder of the fragility of officers’ duty.
"PCs Blade and Clough’s legacy will live on through their service, and we stand together with all those who loved them to remember them and their contribution."
The deaths have led to calls for social media firms to step up action against drivers who post footage of themselves driving dangerously.