Twelve people arrested in connection to crash that killed seven including two police officers
Cleveland Police has confirmed that 12 people have been arrested in connection with a crash on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday that caused the death of seven people, two of which where police officers.
Nine men and three women - aged between 19 and 61 - have been arrested on suspicion of several offences, which include possession of a firearm and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
It has also been confirmed that an investigation into the potential criminality before the crash occurred.
Providing new details about the case in a press release posted on the Cleveland Police website, the force revealed that police officers had received several reports of two vehicles being driven 'dangerously' on the morning of 22 August.
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The cars involved were a Volvo XC60, which was witnessed ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area, and a Volkswagen Passat.
Both vehicles had cloned number plates but were later traced by officers, with the Volvo ultimately being recovered by officers. Cleveland Police also noted that four of the occupants of the Passat had previous police convictions.
"This has been a fast-moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity," Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said.
"The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect.
"We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident, and to bring all those responsible to justice.
"Our robust response will continue in the weeks and months to come, as we continue to tackle those that seek to cause harm to our communities and tackle serious and organised crime.’
"Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy.
"Two of their colleagues lost their lives while serving the people of Cleveland and, while the impact will be felt by our people for a long time to come, they have continued to act with the utmost professionalism.
"I am also extremely grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from the public of Cleveland and our wider police family."
PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed when a Volkswagen Passat – which had been pursued by police – was driven the wrong way along a dual carriageway and hit their marked armed response vehicle.
The men inside the vehicle were later identified as Cole Robert Worthy, 16, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, and 23-year-olds Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak.
All five men were pronounced dead at the scene in Teesside early on Saturday.
Tributes paid to all involved in crash
In a statement issued through Cleveland Police, the family of PC Clough said on Sunday: "He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason.
"Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.
"We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community."
Meanwhile, the wife of PC Blades shared the following statement via Cleveland Police: "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt – my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.
"He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle.
"He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.
"He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.
"The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.
"Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always."
She added: "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."
A GoFundMe has since been set up for the families of the two officers by the Cleveland Police Federation, which is available here.
Friends and family members have also shared tributes to Cahill, Worthy, Matusiak and Makai Saddington online.
"RIP Cole what a funny lad you was. Always made us laugh you have left a massive devastation," read a social media tribute to 16-year-old Worthy. Meanwhile, a tribute left to Cahill said: "RIP my mate keep it lit up there what a shock this is. You are at peace now mate. Had our ups had our downs, but we always come on top."
"Cannot believe it... rest in peace Jakub was like a big brother to us. Your loud mouth will be missed very much," read a post dedicated to Matusiak.
Separate balloon releases have been organised by the families of Rae and Saddington, which are scheduled to take place later this week.
Topics: UK News
Brenna Cooper