'Pain of losing him is beyond words': Families of two police officers killed in crash pay tribute

'Pain of losing him is beyond words': Families of two police officers killed in crash pay tribute PC Tom Clough, 38, and PC Matthew Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat, which officers had been pursuing until seconds before, collided with their marked patrol car on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday. The Passat’s occupants—Michael Robert Cahill, 23; Jacob Matusiak, 23; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Cole Robert Worthy, 17—also lost their lives. In tributes released by Cleveland Police, PC Clough’s family said he was "willing to assistance anyone". PC Blades’ wife described him as "loved beyond words". She stated, "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt," adding that he was a "beloved husband" and the "most devoted father" to their two young sons, who would grow up knowing what an "incredible" dad he was. "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness," she said. "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." "He may have left this world committed to the work he believed in, but his greatest legacy will ever be the love he gave to his family." She concluded the tribute with, "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad." PC Clough’s relatives noted his "fantastic sense of humour" and that he "jumped into action whenever needed", calling him "our hero" and saying he was always "willing to help anyone for any reason". They also said he "proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place" and was "always on public service throughout his short life". A man who knew PC Clough posted on social media that he was a "true friend, fantastic worker and I have no doubt a better police officer". Seaton Carew FC, where PC Blades had recently become a manager and was preparing for his first season with its under‑sevens team, said the officer and his family were "much loved members" of the club. FC Hartlepool, where PC Blades had coached the under‑10s side, described him as a "role model, mentor [and] friend" whom the children "looked up to and admired". The club added, "His kindness, patience, and infectious personality made him loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him". Carmel College in Darlington, where PC Blades taught English before joining the police, said he was an "intelligent, benignant an approachable teacher" who "gave generously of himself to the young people in his care". On Sunday evening, more than £120,000 had been raised for the officers’ families through an online fundraiser organised by Cleveland Police Federation. The federation said the two officers had "paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty" and that they left behind heartbroken loved ones who would struggle to come to terms with their loss. It added that the organisation would support the families "at this unimaginable moment" with the money to be used "as they so wish". Earlier, a group of police officers laid floral tributes at the police cordon on Eston Road. Some removed their hats, bowed their heads and observed a moment of silence for