The family of PC Matthew Blades has expressed their gratitude to the public for the support they have received following his death in a car collision last month. The 37-year-old armed response officer died alongside his colleague, PC Tom Clough, 38, when their vehicle was involved in a head-on crash with a Volkswagen driving in the wrong direction on the A66.

In a statement, Blades’s family described the public’s kindness and support as deeply meaningful during a difficult time. They also reflected on the emotional challenges of his funeral service, held last Wednesday in Hartlepool, County Durham, where Blades was laid to rest. The family said the respect shown to him at the funeral will remain with them.

PC Blades was a father of two, and his passing has been marked by expressions of sympathy and condolences from the community. The incident, which tragically claimed the lives of both officers, is under investigation. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances that led to the Volkswagen traveling against traffic.