PCs killed in A66 crash were heroes, say families
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Two police officers who died in a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday, after pursuing a car travelling the wrong way, have been remembered as heroes by their families.
PC Tom Clough, aged 38, and PC Matthew Blades, aged 37, lost their lives when a Volkswagen Passat collided with their marked armed response car.
The Passat's occupants, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17, also died in the crash.
Tributes from Cleveland Police include:
"No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt," said PC Blades' wife, describing him as "loved beyond words". She added that her husband was a "beloved husband" and "the most devoted father" to their two young sons who would grow up knowing what an "incredible" dad he was.
"He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness," she continued.
PC Clough's family described him as having a "fantastic sense of humour" and "jumped into action whenever needed", adding that he was their "hero" and always "willing to help anyone for any reason". They also noted his "proud service in the armed forces" and his dedication to making "the world a better place".
Online funds raised for the officers' families had reached over £150,000 by Sunday evening.