The two sons of PC Matthew Blades, a police officer who died in a fatal collision on the A66 near Middlesbrough, led Manchester United onto the pitch as mascots during the club’s first home game of the season. The match took place at Old Trafford on August 30, with United securing a 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town.
PC Blades, 37, and his colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, were killed in the early hours of August 22 when their marked police vehicle was struck head-on by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway. Five men, all occupants of the Passat, also died in the crash. The passengers, aged between 17 and 23, included Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Michael Cahill, Jakub Matusiak, and Makai Saddington. Four of the five had previous criminal records.
Manchester United, describing Blades as a "proud Red," invited his family to attend the game. Blades’ widow Sarah and their two sons accepted the club’s invitation, with the children walking the team onto the pitch alongside captain Bruno Fernandes and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The club’s matchday programme included a tribute highlighting Blades’ devotion to his family and love for the team, noting that some of his happiest moments were spent watching United with his boys.
A friend and colleague of Blades paid tribute as well, calling him “a man who gave his life in the service of others” and “forever our superhero.” The gesture was part of a wider outpouring of grief and support following the tragic accident.
The crash has been linked by police to a broader wave of violence affecting Middlesbrough and the surrounding County Durham area. Since the incident, residents have reported feeling intimidated and fearful to leave their homes. Authorities are investigating whether the collision and subsequent violent events are connected to organised crime.
In the days following the crash, Middlesbrough was further shaken by a house fire that claimed the lives of seven-year-old Valentina Foster and her aunt, Natalie McDonald, 34. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder, although police have not formally linked the fire to the earlier crash. Officials, however, have not ruled out potential connections to organised criminal activities in the region.
The ongoing disturbances and violence have placed significant strain on Cleveland Police, which had to bring in 200 officers from neighbouring areas to assist following the crash. Matt Storey, Cleveland’s police and crime commissioner, has repeatedly warned the government since July 2024 about underfunding and shrinking recruitment within the force, expressing concerns over the ability to maintain public safety amid escalating crime rates. Middlesbrough continues to experience one of the highest crime rates in England outside of central London.
Meanwhile, tributes to PCs Blades and Clough have been held across the area, including at football matches where supporters and communities have come together to honour the officers’ memory.