Four schools in the Middlesbrough area will close early on Friday as a precautionary measure due to safety concerns surrounding a funeral linked to a tragic A66 crash. The early closures are in response to anticipated large crowds and potential traffic disruption in the South Bank area.

The decision follows discussions between local headteachers and Redcar and Cleveland Council, who are collaborating to manage the impact of the event on pupils, staff, and families. The funeral is understood to be for Jakub Matusiak, 23, one of five young men who died in a head-on collision with a marked police car on the A66 on August 22.

Head teachers cited expected large gatherings for the funeral, which could lead to significant traffic disruption. South Bank Primary School and Outwood Academy Normanby are among the four institutions confirmed to be closing at lunchtime. Archway Academy will close at 11:45 BST, and St Margaret Clitherow's Catholic Primary School at 12:15 BST.

Cleveland Police acknowledged that the event is expected to cause traffic disruption and delays, particularly between 15:00 and 17:00 on Friday. The force stated it has plans in place to ensure public safety and security, working closely with local authority highways departments on traffic management.

The A66 collision, which occurred near South Bank, involved a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the dual carriageway and colliding with a police vehicle. In addition to the five young men, two police officers, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Blades, 38, also lost their lives in the incident. The five civilian victims included Makai Saddington, Theo Rae, Michael Robert Cahill, and Cole Robert Worthy, alongside Jakub Matusiak.

In a letter to parents, the principal of Outwood Academy Normanby explained the early closure was a result of consultations with local headteachers and the council. South Bank Primary School stated its closure was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its pupils, with its pastoral team ready to support any students who might feel upset or anxious. The Mackenzie Thorpe Centre will be closed for the entire day, and arrangements are being made for some SEND children to be collected earlier.

Conservative MP Laura Trott has reportedly called on the Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, to ensure schools remain open and that sufficient police support is provided for safety. The Department for Education has been contacted for a response.

The police superintendent indicated that the disruption could affect areas including South Bank, Normanby Road through Teesville, Ormesby and Marton, and Acklam Road. The force reiterated that their public safety plans are standard procedure for significant gatherings.