Brave officers killed in tragic crash are pictured after five ‘joyriders’ drove wrong way down A66 during chase

TWO cops who died in a crash on the A66 after their police car smashed into another vehicle driving the wrong way have been pictured. PC Matthew Blades, 37 and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed alongside five “joyriders” when they collided with a Volkswagen Passat following a police chase. Tom Clough, 38, (R) was killed in the horror crash Credit: Facebook/Peter Gibson – Delivering for Darlington PC Matthew Blades who was also tragically killed has been pictured for the first time Credit: Unknown The police officers and all five occupants of the Passat were declared dead at the scene following the early-hours crash near Middlesbrough. The two brave police officers killed in the horror collision have now been named and pictured and tributes have flooded in. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The youngsters have been named as Michael Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17. Cole Worthy, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18. The VW is understood to have been using cloned plates and was first picked up by an ANPR camera. Makai Saddington, 18, previously posted a video of him involved in a high-speed chase Credit: Facebook/Makai Saddington Jacob Matusiak, 23, was one of the passengers in the car Credit: Facebook/Jakub Hewitt PC Clough is understood to have served as a soldier in Britain’s military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan before later becoming a Cleveland Police officer. Former comrades have paid tribute to the “fantastic soldier” and “true friend”, with many taking to social media to share their pride at having served alongside him. His heartbroken family said he was “our hero” with a “fantastic sense of humour”. They added: “He jumped into action whenever needed, and was willing to help anyone for any reason. Most read in The Sun “He proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. “He was always on public duty throughout his short life. “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.” Police officers then started a a high-speed chase in the early hours of Saturday morning. Hero PC Tom Clough tragically died in the horror collision Credit: PA Close friends Theo Rae, 17, (left) and Cole Worthy, 17, both died in the crash Credit: Facebook/Theo Rae They followed the car though Middlesbrough for just under seven minutes before the pursuit was halted when the VW joined the A66 against the flow of traffic. Just 10 seconds later, at 3.39am the car ploughed into another marked armed-response vehicle carrying the two PCs which was travelling on the correct side of the carriageway. Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said yesterday afternoon: “This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland. “The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies.” She said the tragic pair “were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift”. Chief Constable Fuller said she has visited the families of both officers to “offer our condolences and support”. An investigation has been launched into the crash by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. PC Matty Blades was a youth coach at Seaton Carew Football Club in Hartlepool. Michael Cahill, 23, died in the crash which also killed two police officers Credit: Facebook/Michael Ray Flowers left near to the scene on the A66 in South Bank Credit: PA The club are flying their flags at half mast and paid tribute, saying: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that Seaton Carew FC shares the devastating news of the passing of one of our coaches, Matty, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident while carrying out his duties as a police officer. “Matty had only recently joined our club as a coach and was preparing for his first season with our brand-new U7 Seahawks team. “He was looking forward to being part of the team and, most importantly, to coaching his own son, who is going to be playing for the Seahawks this season. “Matty and his oldest son are much-loved member of our club and our U10 Lions football family. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty’s wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends at this incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time. “We also stand alongside Matty’s colleagues and friends within the police service, who have tragically lost members of their force. “From everyone at Seaton Carew FC, thank you, Matty, for choosing to become part of our club. You will always be remembered as one of our own.Rest peacefully, Matty. “Forever a part of the Seaton Carew FC family.” Footage showed police cars pursuing a suspect down a road minutes before the tragedy Credit: Supplied Footage has also shown the moment two police cars pursued a suspect down a narrow road minutes before the tragedy unfolded. Residents living on Lime Road, a mile from the crash site, said they woke to the sound of screeching tyres just after 3.30am on Saturday. Ellie Westerman, 24, said: “The car must have been travelling at between 80 and 100 mph down our narrow street. “The noise woke me and I shot out of bed, you could feel the vibration in the house as the car went past and the police vehicles followed with their lights and sirens going. “It was frightening that cars were being driven at that speed through a residential area and it’s tragic people have ended up dying.” One of the youngsters, Makai, previously posted several videos to TikTok which appear to show him in a high-speed police chase. In one video, from months before his death teens can be seen driving through a housing estate at speed while a police car with blue flashing lights follows. The Audi then peels off onto a grassy playing field in an attempt to lose the chase. All occupants of the two cars were declared dead at the scene Credit: NNP Emergency services at the scene on the A66 in South Bank Credit: NNP Another clip features a green Nissan being driven around before it is torched. Images posted to the account show Saddington and a friend in black balaclavas posing in a car. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear of the deaths of two police officers and five members of the public after the horror crash. He posted on X: “Devastated to hear that two police officers have lost their lives while on duty in Cleveland this morning, as well as five members of the public. “My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of everyone involved, and with everyone at Cleveland Police. “Thank you to the emergency services responding in incredibly difficult circumstances. I would urge people to avoid speculation at this time.” Redcar MP Anna Turley posted on X: “Two of the seven people who have lost their lives were Cleveland Police officers, on duty serving our community.” She added: “They went to work to keep people safe, and they should have come home to their families.” 3 comments3