00:00At 3.39 this morning, a Volkswagen Passat that was travelling the wrong way down the A66
00:10has collided with a marked Cleveland Police Armed Response Vehicle which was travelling
00:18on the correct side of the road.
00:22Tragically, two police officers, P.C. Matthew Blades and P.C. Tom Clough, died at the scene
00:35along with the five occupants of the Passat as a result of the collision.
00:43This is an incredibly sad day for Cleveland.
00:49The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies.
00:59These were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn't return
01:10home to their families at the end of their shift.
01:16My thoughts and the thoughts of everybody here at Cleveland Police are with their families,
01:24friends, colleagues and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
01:33Earlier today, the Deputy Chief Constable and I visited Matthew and Tom's families to offer
01:41our condolences, support one another and begin to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.
01:52Formal identification has now taken place for the occupants of the Volkswagen Passat and Specialist
02:01Family Liaison Officers are being deployed to support the bereaved families.
02:09We also have support in place for our officers and staff who have been affected by today's tragic events.
02:20As is mandatory, following any death connected to a police incident, we have referred the matter
02:26to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and are fully cooperating with their investigation.
02:36Whilst this investigation is ongoing and out of respect for all those who have lost loved ones,
02:45I would strongly urge people to avoid speculation and respect the privacy of the families.
