Schools in Middlesbrough have announced early closures on Friday to ensure the safety of pupils as funeral services are held for victims of a recent A66 crash. The decision comes amid concerns that the funeral of Jakub Matusiak, 23, one of five young men killed in the collision, could lead to significant disruption and echo previous chaotic tribute events.
At least four schools, including South Bank Primary School, Archway Academy Teesville, Outwood Academy Normanby, St Margaret Clitherow’s Catholic Primary School, and Mackenzie Thorpe School, will close early. South Bank Primary School cited the funeral service at St. John the Evangelist Church in South Bank and the expected large congregation, leading to potential congestion and transport difficulties. The school also acknowledged that some pupils might be feeling anxious about the local funeral, with pastoral support available.
The A66 crash on August 22 involved a stolen Volkswagen Passat colliding head-on with a marked Cleveland Police armed response vehicle. In addition to Matusiak, Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23, also died in the vehicle. Police constables Matthew Blades and Tom Clough were killed in the same incident.
Authorities are anticipating crowds, including those on motorbikes and quad bikes, to gather for Matusiak's funeral, drawing parallels to past memorial events. A previous 'memorial' for Matusiak on August 24 near the crash site reportedly featured the release of orange balloons, fireworks, and intimidation of residents by individuals in balaclavas. A separate memorial for Michael Cahill in County Durham saw cars set alight.
Investigations into the crash and related criminal activities are ongoing. Cleveland Police have arrested 27 individuals in connection with serious and organized crime in the aftermath of the crash, deploying over 200 additional officers from other forces. Four of the young men in the Passat had prior criminal convictions, including for assaulting a police officer and vehicle offenses. Michael Cahill had no previous convictions.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser established for the families of the two fallen officers, PC Blades and PC Clough, surpassed its £1.2 million target. The funds raised are intended to be split equally between the officers' families, with ongoing support from the Police Federation.