Police in Middlesbrough had alerted the government to critical underfunding through at least seven letters since July 2024, with only two receiving a response, according to Cleveland's police and crime commissioner, Matt Storey. These warnings preceded a surge of gang violence that culminated in a fatal crash on the A66, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and five youths.
Cleveland Police was compelled to call in 200 officers from neighboring regions following the incident. The crash occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, when a Volkswagen Passat, traveling on the wrong side of the dual carriageway, collided with a police vehicle. PCs Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, were killed along with the five occupants of the Passat: Theo Rae, 17; Cole Worthy, 17; Michael Cahill, 23; Jakub Matusiak, 23; and Makai Saddington, 18. Authorities noted that four of the youths had prior criminal convictions and were believed to be connected to another vehicle seen ramming properties earlier that morning.
Middlesbrough has experienced a wave of violence since the crash, leading some residents to report feeling too intimidated to leave their homes. The Home Office acknowledged Cleveland Police's response to the difficult circumstances and stated they are in regular contact to ensure the force has the necessary support and that their financial concerns are being addressed. The force is slated to receive up to £197.8 million in funding for the 2026/2027 financial year, a 3.7% increase. A review of the funding formula is also underway as part of broader policing reforms.
Police are investigating potential links between the violence, including the A66 crash, and organized crime. The area, which has one of the highest crime rates in England, was further shaken by a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of a seven-year-old girl and her aunt, with two men arrested on suspicion of murder. While police did not directly link the fire to the A66 crash, a connection to wider organized crime was not ruled out.
Subsequent incidents included a machete attack and a home being rammed by a car. In total, 24 men have been arrested as part of an operation to disrupt organized crime.
Commissioner Storey reiterated his concerns about the funding system to the policing minister, emphasizing the need for a better long-term deal to enhance Cleveland's response to serious and organized crime. He stated that the people of Cleveland have the right to live without fear of crime and vowed to continue advocating for the necessary funding to improve the police's ability to prevent crime and ensure community safety.