Sons of police officer killed in A66 crash lead out Manchester United at Old Trafford
The two sons of a police officer who was killed in a head-on crash on the A66 led out Manchester United for their match against Ipswich at Old Trafford.
PC Matthew Blades, 37, was killed alongside colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, when a Volkswagen Passat being driven the wrong way on the A66 hit the response vehicle they were in.
Five young men were also killed in the crash.
PC Blades was described as a ‘proud Red’ by Manchester United and was a regular at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United hailed PC Blades as a ‘proud Red, a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others’.
On Sunday (30 August), PC Blade’s two sons led out the team as mascots.
The eldest of the two boys was walked out by captain Bruno Fernandes while the younger lad was led out by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
His widow Sarah also attended the game.
In a statement online, Manchester United paid tribute to PC Blades, writing: “It was with great sadness that Manchester United learned of the death of PC Matthew Blades and his colleague PC Tom Clough in an accident near Middlesbrough last weekend.
“Matthew was a proud Red, a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others.
“For Matt, some of his happiest times were spent watching United with his boys. His wife Sarah and two children attended Sunday's game, against Ipswich Town, with his sons leading out the Reds as mascots.
“A close friend and colleague of Matthew sent us this tribute: ‘For Matthew, United was a lifelong love, a passion he shared with his family. Since Matt’s tragic death there has been an extraordinary outpouring of grief and support. That love has been seen in countless tributes and acts of kindness. Today, we remember a fellow Red. A husband. A father. A son. A brother. A friend. A police officer. A man who gave his life in the service of others. Forever our superhero.’”
As well as being a Manchester United fan, PC Blades became a Seaton Carew FC coach and had been preparing to coach his own son in the upcoming season.
Following his tragic death, his widow shared a heartbreaking statement.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
PC Clough's family pay tribute to 'hero'
Last weekend, PC Clough’s family paid tribute to the husband and father-of-two.
"He was our hero with a fantastic of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason,” the statement read.
"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."
Earlier this week, 17 people were arrested in connection with the investigation into the crash, bringing the total number of arrests to 24.
Claire Reid