Seven Dead in Teesside A66 Collision After Police Pursuit Abandoned
Two Cleveland Police officers and five Passat occupants killed in head-on crash; watchdog investigates abandoned chase and alleged cloned plates.
Callum Smith
Two Cleveland Police officers died in a head-on collision on the A66 in Teesside while on duty.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed police abandoned a seven-minute pursuit of the Passat 10 seconds before the crash. The police watchdog launched an investigation into the collision, following a mandatory referral from the local force.
The five young men in the Passat were identified as Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Theo Rae, 17, Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, and Jacob Matusiak, 23. All were pronounced dead at the scene.
Cleveland Police initiated a chase after receiving intelligence regarding numerous incidents linked to the Passat, which was believed to be using cloned plates. The Passat was reportedly driving on the wrong side of the carriageway and is understood to have been using cloned number plates.
PCs Blades and Clough were called to assist with the search for the Passat; they were not involved in the original pursuit. The deadly antics of the joyriders have been linked to a TikTok trend where individuals film themselves driving dangerously to provoke police into chasing them for views.
A wave of clips on social media encouraging dangerous driving, including going the wrong way down busy roads, is reportedly linked to both this crash and a similar fatal incident in Co. Kildare, Ireland, less than a week prior. However, TikTok videos appearing to show Makai Saddington in high-speed police chases were reportedly filmed in May.
Court records show Makai Saddington was accused of assaulting a police officer and causing racially aggravated alarm or distress in Middlesbrough on June 9, and was awaiting trial. More than £300,000 has been raised for the families of the two police officers killed in the crash.
He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.
Pc Matthew Blades' family stated, "He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness." His wife described him as "my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys."
She added, "He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled." She concluded, "Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."
Pc Tom Clough’s family said, "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason."
FC Hartlepool noted that he "was able to share his love of football with his son while inspiring and supporting every child on the team." Pc Tom Clough’s family expressed their "sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community."
A message dedicated to all five occupants of the Passat read, "We all knew use and knew use had hearts of gold and most loyalist lads."