Police officers killed in wrong-way crash mourned in 'unimaginable loss'

Two police officers killed in a wrong-way crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough have been remembered as "brave officers protecting our communities" in what has been described as an "unimaginable loss".

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a car driving the wrong way struck a Cleveland Police vehicle at 03:39 BST on Saturday.

Five people in the Volkswagen Passat said to be in their late teens to early 20s were also killed. They have not been named.

The BBC understands a police pursuit of the car had ended before the crash, with the police vehicle just happening to be in the South Bank area.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now investigating.

Chief Constable Victoria Fuller said on Saturday it was an "incredibly sad day for Cleveland", adding: "No one should leave their home and not return safely."

Fuller said she and her deputy chief constable visited the officers' families to "offer our condolences, support one another, and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss".

Politicians, including the prime minister and home secretary, have remembered the officers, with Andy Burnham saying he was "devastated" by the news.

Anna Turley, MP for the Redcar constituency where the crash happened, said it was "devastating" to think about the grief of the families involved.

"I do want to place on record my tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough because the bravery we see from our police officers every day, every night is incredible and no one should not come home to their families at the end of their shift," she said.

She said it was a "tragedy for the community and the Cleveland Police family".

David Taylor and Stephen Martin, councillors for the Eston ward, said they were "deeply saddened" by the "unimaginable tragedy".

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen called the case "a horrible and tragic incident" in a statement on Facebook.

"Our police officers are heroes who put everything on the line to protect us, and I know all of Teesside will want to pay tribute to the officers and other emergency service workers involved for the bravery they have shown in responding to this incident."

Cleveland Police Federation chairwoman Lauren Somerville said the loss of the officers was "unfathomable", adding: "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police family are feeling today."

When someone dies following police contact, it is mandatory for the case to be referred to the IOPC, which is now investigating.

The watchdog said on Saturday that "at this early stage, we understand Cleveland Police sighted a suspicious vehicle and a pursuit began."

Security footage from a house on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appears to show a car being pursued by police vehicles three minutes before the crash.

The BBC understands the pursuit ended prior to the crash, and the police vehicle occupied by PC Blades and PC Clough just happened to be in the area at the time.

IOPC Director of Investigations Nicola Marfleet called it a "tragic incident" and said her "thoughts are with family and friends and all those affected, including the emergency services in attendance."

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also shared his condolences, adding the IOPC "must be given the time and space to complete their investigations without speculation".

The A66, which is the major artery through Teesside and the location of the crash is surrounded by industrial units and factories, remained closed on Sunday.