Middlesbrough and Thornaby East MP Andy McDonald has laid floral tributes at the Cleveland Police Memorial Garden to honour PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The two officers died following a head-on collision on the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, while serving their local community. The tragedy, which also claimed five other lives, has been felt across Teesside and the wider policing family.
Sharing his respects, McDonald said:
“This morning I visited Cleveland Police Memorial Garden to lay flowers and pay respects to PC Blades and PC Clough.
“Their deaths are felt by all across Teesside and I pay tribute to Cleveland Police for all they are doing whilst they grieve.
“May they rest in peace.”
A community united in grief
PC Matthew Blades, 37, a devoted father of two young boys, and PC Tom Clough, 38, have been remembered by their families, colleagues and community leaders as selfless public servants dedicated to protecting others.
A public memorial fundraiser launched by the Cleveland Police Federation to support the officers’ grieving families has raised more than £1 million, reflecting an overwhelming outpouring of sympathy from across the country. King Charles III has also written privately to the families of both officers to express his condolences.
Standing with emergency responders
Visiting the memorial garden at force headquarters, McDonald praised officers and support staff across Cleveland Police for their resilience, continuing to serve the public around the clock during an exceptionally painful period for the region.
He reaffirmed his support for frontline emergency services and local policing units as investigations into the incident continue.
