Family of police officer killed in A66 crash thank community for support following his funeral

The family of PC Matthew Blades who was killed in a crash on the A66 have said the public’s support has meant “more than words can express”.

Hundreds of officers lined the street outside the church at his funeral on Wednesday in his hometown of Hartlepool, while members of the public stood with heads bowed out of respect for the married father-of-two.

Armed response officer PC Blades, 37, was killed in a head-on crash in the early hours of August 22 along with his colleague PC Tom Clough, who was 38.

In a statement shared on social media by Cleveland Police, his family said: “As a family, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported us following the devasting loss of Matt.

“The kindness love and support we have received from our community, friends, the emergency services, the police family, colleagues and so many people we may never even have met has meant more to us than words can express.

“The day of Matt’s funeral was incredibly difficult, but seeing the overwhelming respect and support shown for him, and for all of us a family, will stay with us forever.

“The powerful presence of so many people, the tributes, the silence, the claps, the uniforms, the blue lights and every gesture of respect shows just how much Matt meant to so many.

“To everyone who stood along the route, attended the funeral, sent messages, brought flowers, checked in on us, or simply kept us in your thoughts – thank you.

“To our police family and all the emergency services who stood behind us, both professionally and personally, we will never forget the strength and compassion you have shown.

“We are taking each day as it comes, but knowing we are surrounded by so much love and support has helped carry us through the darkest of days.

“Matt will always be loved, always be remembered, and will never be forgotten.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”

PC Blades was a teacher before joining the police and was a Manchester United fan and football coach.

Five young men in a VW Passat which had been involved in a police pursuit before the collision were also killed.

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