The funeral for PC Matthew Blades, one of two officers killed in a high-speed collision on the A66, took place today with full police honors and a procession through his hometown of Hartlepool, County Durham. PC Blades, 37, and his colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, died on August 22 when their vehicle was struck head-on by a car carrying five young individuals attempting to evade law enforcement.
The devastated wife and sons of PC Blades, aged eight and six, are bidding him a final farewell. The family has described him as their "superhero." Ahead of the ceremony, the Cleveland Police Federation paid tribute to PC Blades, known as Matty, and acknowledged the courage of his family.
Lauren Somerville, Chair of the Cleveland Police Federation, stated that words are insufficient to express the family's grief. She noted that PC Blades was remembered as the "heart of the family" and would be missed "beyond words." Somerville also highlighted the public and colleague support shown to the family, emphasizing that the federation's care for them will continue.
PC Blades' wife, Sarah, paid tribute to her husband the day after the tragedy, calling him her "beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father." She expressed that the pain of his loss is immeasurable and that their lives will never be the same. She added that their children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was, and she will carry his love and memory with her always.
Sarah Blades also extended deep gratitude to emergency services and the "police family" for their unwavering support during their most difficult time. She stated that every message, visit, and gesture of support has been unforgettable. She concluded her tribute by saying, "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."
The collision occurred around 3:39 a.m. near South Bank, Middlesbrough. The police vehicle was struck by a speeding Volkswagen Passat containing five occupants aged between 17 and 23. These individuals, identified as Jakub Matusiak, 23; Makai Saddington, 18; Michael Cahill, 23; Cole Worthy, 17; and Theo Rae, 17, also died in the crash. Cole Worthy's funeral also took place today in Middlesbrough.
Police reported that the occupants of the Passat had links to organized crime and were attempting to flee from officers when they drove the wrong way up the A66. The Passat had reportedly been involved in a pursuit of a Volvo XC60, which had earlier rammed the homes of relatives of Worthy and Rae as part of a gangland dispute over drug supply on Teesside.
PC Clough and Blades sustained fatal head and neck injuries at the scene. A GoFundMe page established by the Police Federation raised over £1.2 million for the families of both officers.
Beyond his police duties, PC Blades was actively involved in the Hartlepool football community, coaching his sons and other young players. Two local clubs, FC Hartlepool and Seaton Carew, have honored his memory. FC Hartlepool's under-10s team has been renamed FC Blades. The club described PC Blades as more than a coach, calling him a role model, mentor, and friend who shared his love of football and inspired the children.
The sons of PC Blades, along with their mother, attended Manchester United's home fixture against Ipswich on August 30 as mascots, a moment that captured public attention and support.