The funeral for PC Matthew Blades, one of the two police officers who died in a tragic wrong-way crash on August 22 near Middlesbrough, is set to take place in Hartlepool. The accident, involving a Volkswagen Passat colliding with their armed response vehicle on the A66 at South Bank, also resulted in the deaths of five young men.
PC Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were not actively pursuing the vehicle at the time of the crash. The vehicle’s cloned registration triggered an automated number plate recognition alert, prompting officers to search for it after a pursuit had been abandoned moments earlier, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Road closures and ceremonial honors
To accommodate the full police ceremonial funeral, Hartlepool authorities will close Hutton Avenue from the junction with Mulgrave Road, as well as St Paul’s Road and South Road from the junction with Mitchell Street starting at 7:30 a.m. BST. Any vehicles remaining on these roads past that time will be removed.
Remembering Matthew Blades
Lauren Somerville, chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, representing PC Blades’ family, described the loss as leaving “life unbearably quiet” without the officer’s humor and presence. She noted the outpouring of support, including tributes and flowers sent from across the world, brought comfort to the family and fellow officers. Somerville said small gestures of appreciation from the public have given officers strength during this difficult time.
Before joining the police force, Blades taught English at Carmel College in Darlington, where he was remembered as an intelligent, kind, and approachable teacher who devoted himself to his students.
Impact on the police community
Somerville highlighted the personal impact of the tragedy on the small Cleveland force, saying officers nationwide feel the loss profoundly. She described Matthew Blades as a best friend, husband, father of two, brother, and son whose laughter and jokes brought light to those around him.
The Cleveland officers will stand side-by-side in uniform at the funeral with pride and dignity to honor their fallen colleagues.
