Two police officers were killed in a collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday when their vehicle was struck by a car travelling the wrong way down the dual carriageway.

PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, were responding to an incident when their marked armed response car collided with a Volkswagen Passat. The occupants of the Passat, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Jacob Matusiak, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17, also died in the crash.

In tributes released by Cleveland Police, PC Blades' wife described him as "loved beyond words" and a "devoted father to their two young sons." She stated he "gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness." PC Clough's family remembered him as having a "fantastic sense of humour" and being "always willing to help anyone for any reason," calling him their "hero."

The incident occurred after officers had been pursuing the Passat until seconds before the collision. The families of both officers have emphasized their dedication to duty and service to the public.

PC Clough's family also noted his past service, stating he had "proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place" and had "always been on public duty throughout his short life." A social media post from someone who knew PC Clough described him as a "true friend, fantastic soldier and I have no doubt even better police officer."

PC Blades had recently become a coach for Seaton Carew FC's under-sevens team and FC Hartlepool's under-10s team. Seaton Carew FC described him and his family as "much loved members of the club." FC Hartlepool stated he had been a "role model, mentor [and] friend whom the children had looked up to and admired," adding that his "kindness, patience, and infectious personality made him loved by all."

Before joining the police, PC Blades taught English at Carmel College in Darlington, where he was remembered as an "intelligent, kind and approachable teacher who gave generously of himself to the young people in his care."

An online fundraiser set up by Cleveland Police Federation for the officers' families had garnered over £264,000 by Monday morning. The federation stated the two officers "paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."