Tribute following death of two police officers – Cleveland

Following the awful incident in Cleveland over the weekend, the thoughts of everyone at British Transport Police are with the loved ones and colleagues of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades who were tragically killed in the line of duty. 

At around 3.40am on Saturday morning (22 August) a vehicle which Cleveland Police had been pursuing collided with their marked armed response car near Middlesbrough. The five occupants of the vehicle also died at the scene.  

PC Tom Clough spent three and a half years as an officer at British Transport Police before moving to Cleveland in 2022. He was a well-known and respected colleague in BTP, starting at Euston in 2018 before moving up to Darlington and later transferring to Cleveland Police.  

Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: "This is unimaginably devastating news and I speak on behalf of everyone at British Transport Police when I offer our sincerest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of PC Clough and PC Blades. 

"The loss of two police officers in the line of duty is an unspeakable tragedy which affects our entire policing family, and we are all grieving their loss alongside our colleagues at Cleveland Police.  

"Tom was a hugely respected former British Transport Police officer who dedicated over three years to our force. He is remembered as a brilliant police officer who was committed to helping others, and for the kindness and humour he brought to those around him at work.  

"While Tom went on to continue his service with Cleveland Police, he will always be a part of the BTP family. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew him and PC Blades as they come to terms with this tragic loss."