Inquests open for two Pcs as total arrests in Middlesbrough gang crackdown reaches 24
Masked youths torched cars at a vigil for the A66 crash victims, one of nine deaths in six days that have intensified scrutiny of Middlesbrough's crime crisis.Cleveland Police's 'Divert' scheme has seen 1,853 participants offered mental health or housing support instead of prosecution since 2018, as critics warn Middlesbrough carries England's worst crime rate relative to p...
Pcs Matthew Blades, 37, and Tom Clough, 38, died from head and neck injuries when a stolen Volkswagen Passat drove into oncoming traffic on the A66 at South Bank and struck their patrol car in the early hours of 22 August. Coroner Paul Appleton told Teesside Coroner's Court that the pursuit had been called off before the fatal collision, and that all seven occupants of both vehicles were pronounced dead at the scene. The inquests were opened and adjourned on Thursday, with Pc Blades identified by his wife and Pc Clough by his partner.
Cleveland Police has made 24 arrests since the crash as part of an organised crime crackdown, including four men facing suspicion of criminal damage with intent to endanger life.
Middlesbrough FC fans and players applauded the fallen officers before Saturday's home match against West Bromwich Albion, with the King writing to both families to express his condolences.
Labour MP Andy McDonald called the wave of violence gripping the area 'terrorism', as revelations emerged that knife-wielding offenders can avoid jail under Cleveland Police's Divert Programme by accepting mental health support.
