A police investigation has revealed that officers ended a pursuit moments before a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of a dual carriageway crashed into another police car, killing seven people, including five young men and two police officers.
The collision happened on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday morning when a Volkswagen Passat collided with a Cleveland Police vehicle. The five occupants of the Passat โ Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17 โ all died in the crash.
Two Cleveland Police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were also killed. The officers were traveling on the correct side of the road while assisting with efforts to locate the vehicle involved in the incident.
Police Pursuit Ended Before Fatal Collision
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which launched an investigation immediately after the crash, said officers had been pursuing the Volkswagen Passat following reports of several incidents connected to the vehicle.
Investigators said the car was believed to have been using cloned registration plates, which triggered an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera alert.
According to the watchdog, analysis of police vehicle footage showed that the pursuit continued for less than seven minutes. The situation escalated when the Passat entered the wrong side of the A66, prompting officers to stop the pursuit.
The pursuing police vehicles continued along the correct side of the road. However, around 10 seconds later, at approximately 3:39 BST, the Volkswagen collided with the vehicle carrying PC Blades and PC Clough.
The two officers were not directly involved in the chase at that moment but were reportedly in the area helping with the search for the vehicle.
Security footage from a property on Lime Road in Middlesbrough appeared to capture a vehicle being followed by police cars shortly before the fatal crash.
Cleveland Police Mourn Fallen Officers
The deaths of PC Blades and PC Clough have deeply affected Cleveland Police and the wider law enforcement community.
Chief Constable Victoria Fuller described the incident as an extremely painful day for the force, saying that no officer should leave home for work and fail to return safely.
She said she and her deputy had visited the families of the two officers to offer support and condolences as they begin dealing with an unimaginable loss.
Tributes have also been shared by political leaders, including the prime minister and home secretary. Andy Burnham described himself as devastated by the deaths.
The Great North Air Ambulance Service said the tragedy would have a lasting impact on the local community and everyone involved in responding to the emergency.
Community Pays Tribute to All Seven Victims
Anna Turley, the MP representing the Redcar constituency where the crash occurred, said the loss of seven lives had caused enormous grief for families and the wider community.
She paid tribute to PC Blades and PC Clough, highlighting the dedication and bravery of the officers and saying that every police worker deserves to return home safely after completing their duties.
Lauren Somerville, chairwoman of the Cleveland Police Federation, described the loss of the officers as impossible to comprehend, saying the pain felt across the force was beyond words.
IOPC Investigation Underway
Because the deaths occurred following police contact, the incident was automatically referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell acknowledged the devastating effect the crash had caused within Cleveland Police and the wider policing community.
Investigators have already collected initial statements from officers involved in the pursuit, reviewed incident records, and examined footage from police vehicles. Additional evidence is expected to be gathered as the investigation continues.
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey urged people not to spread speculation or misinformation while the investigation is ongoing.
He said members of the public should allow the IOPC to complete its work and avoid drawing conclusions before all evidence has been reviewed.
Remembering PC Matthew Blades
PC Matthew Blades, who was married and a father of two children, was remembered as a valued member of his local community.
Outside of policing, he had recently become involved with Seaton Carew FC, where he was preparing to coach the clubโs under-seven Seahawks team during the upcoming season.
The football club described him and his family as much-loved members of their community and football family.
Road Remains Closed as Investigation Continues
The A66, a major route through the Teesside area, remained closed following the crash as investigators continued examining the scene.
The road, surrounded by industrial buildings and factories, became the focus of a major emergency response involving police, medical teams, and investigators.
As the investigation continues, families, colleagues, and the wider community are left mourning seven lives lost in a tragic collision that has raised important questions about police pursuits, road safety, and the dangers of reckless driving.
