Football fans to pay respects to officers killed in A66 crash

Middlesbrough fans will pay tribute to Pc Tom Clough, left, and Pc Matthew Blades, who died in the head-on A66 crash (Cleveland Police/PA) PA Media Press Association Reporters 2 minutes ago Football fans will pay their respects to the two constables killed in the head-on crash on the A66 and other Cleveland Police officers as the force continues to investigate a spate of incidents in the area.

Middlesbrough FC has asked supporters to pay tribute to Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough before their 12.30pm home game against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Pc Blades, 37, and Pc Clough, 38, died in the collision with a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 at South Bank last weekend.

The King has also written to their families to express his condolences, the Mirror reported.

Middlesbrough FC said in a statement: “Immediately before kick-off, we’re asking supporters to join us in paying respects to Pc Matthew Blades and Pc Tom Clough, the two Cleveland police officers who tragically lost their lives in the line of duty last weekend.

“We are also showing our appreciation for the dedication and hard work of both men, and to Cleveland police force in protecting and supporting our local community.

“The commitment shown by officers and staff, often in challenging and demanding circumstances, plays a vital role in keeping residents safe and helping people feel secure in their homes, neighbourhoods and local areas.”

People left floral tributes to Pc Clough and Pc Blades at the Cleveland Police HQ in Middlesbrough (Owen Humphreys/PA) PA Wire Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and 23-year-olds Michael Cahill and Jakub Matusiak were also killed in the crash.

Cleveland Police said its officers have been tackling alleged organised crime in the wake of the crash and, on Friday night, said some 24 people had been arrested in the crackdown.

Officers said four men, aged 35, 25, 40 and 21, were being held on suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life after a vehicle crashed into a house in Steele Crescent, Middlesbrough, on Thursday morning.

They were also being questioned over alleged arson after a caravan was set alight in Atlee Road on Wednesday morning, and a drugs offence.

Seven people were killed in the crash on the A66 (Owen Humphreys/PA) PA Wire The force said the men were in a vehicle when they were stopped by police on Kingsley Road in Grangetown on Thursday night.

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