The family of Pc Tom Clough, one of two police officers killed in a collision on the A66, has paid tribute to their 'hero' following his death on Saturday, August 22.
Pc Clough, 38, died alongside his colleague Pc Matthew Blades, 37, in the early hours of the morning. Five males aged between 17 and 23 years old were also killed in the incident. The collision occurred after officers identified a suspicious vehicle and initiated a pursuit, which led to the car driving the wrong way on the A66 and colliding with a police vehicle travelling in the correct direction.
A Life of Service and Humour
In a statement released through Cleveland Police, Pc Clough's family said: "He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason."
They added: "Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life."
The family also expressed gratitude for the support they have received: "We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community."
Details of the Incident
The collision happened after a pursuit involving a Passat that had been linked to "numerous incidents," according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The vehicle, believed to have been using cloned plates, was spotted after its plates activated an ANPR camera.
An armed response vehicle began a pursuit that lasted just under seven minutes before the Passat drove onto the A66 in South Bank against the flow of traffic. Police aborted the chase seconds before the crash, and the Passat collided with Pc Blades and Pc Clough's vehicle approximately 10 seconds after the pursuit ceased.
Victims and Investigation
The five males killed in the collision were named as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak. All were pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident has been referred to the IOPC, which confirmed that Pc Blades and Pc Clough were not involved in the original pursuit but had been called to the area to assist with the search for the Passat.
IOPC director of engagement Derrick Campbell offered condolences, stating: "We recognise the devastating impact the incident has had on those in the force, and the wider policing community, and offer our condolences." He added: "We have obtained initial accounts of officers involved in the pursuit, the incident log and in-car footage of the incident. Work is ongoing to obtain additional material."
