Football fans pay tribute to two officers killed in crash

Two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, tragically lost their lives in a road crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough on 22 August. The collision occurred when their police car hit another vehicle traveling the wrong way, resulting in the deaths of five people inside the other vehicle. The officers were remembered at a minute's applause held before a Middlesbrough Championship match against West Bromwich Albion, as well as during a match between Seaton Carew FC and FC Hartlepool.

PC Blades was a junior football coach for both clubs, and his friend, Seaton Carew coach Marcus Newing, described him as a devoted father, husband, and someone who was always willing to help others. Tributes from football fans and clubs across Teesside highlighted the strong connection between the officers and the communities they served. The crash investigation continues, with 24 people arrested in connection to the incident.