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Hundreds of Police Line the Streets for Funeral of Dad-of-Two Killed in A66 Crash
Hundreds of police officers lined the streets of Hartlepool as the funeral of PC Matthew Blades, a married father-of-two who was killed in the devastating A66 crash, took place.
The 37-year-old Cleveland Police officer was remembered by colleagues, emergency service workers, family and members of the public during an emotional service at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in his home town.
PC Blades died alongside fellow officer PC Tom Clough, 38, during a head-on collision on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, on August 22. Five young men travelling in a Volkswagen Passat also died in the crash.
A powerful show of respect
Officers from police forces across the UK gathered for the funeral, with standard bearers representing every UK force.
Hundreds of officers stood along Hutton Avenue as the funeral cortege approached the church. Some wore special identity patches bearing the names of PC Blades and PC Clough as a mark of respect for their fallen colleagues.
The hearse carried a floral tribute reading “Dad”, highlighting the devastating loss suffered by PC Blades’ family.
Four pipers and a drummer accompanied the procession, playing Amazing Grace as the coffin, covered by a Union Flag, was carried into the church.
Members of the public also gathered along the route, with four mounted officers standing guard near the cordon.
Remembering a dedicated officer
PC Blades was an armed response officer and was remembered as a devoted family man and committed member of the police service.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller attended the service, alongside policing minister Sarah Jones and Home Office minister Anna Turley. Emergency service representatives from the North East Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance were also present.
The funeral came amid continuing grief following the deaths of both PC Blades and PC Clough, whose deaths have deeply affected the policing community across the country.
A community united in grief
The enormous police presence demonstrated the strength of the bond between officers and the respect held for those who lose their lives while serving the public.
For PC Blades’ family, however, the day was ultimately about a husband, father and loved one whose life was tragically cut short.
As hundreds of officers stood silently along the streets, the funeral provided a final opportunity to honour a colleague who had dedicated his life to protecting others.
The A66 tragedy claimed seven lives and has left families, colleagues and communities across Teesside facing an immense loss.
Attached is a News article regarding hundreds of police line the streets for the funeral of cop killed in A66 crash
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgy3lyxd6zo
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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