Sons of fallen officer lead out Manchester United as mascots in moving Old Trafford tribute
The sons of one of the fallen officers led out Manchester United as mascots, days after the King wrote to both families to express his condolences.The sons of a police officer killed in the A66 crash walked out with Manchester United against Ipswich Town, as Cleveland Police's crackdown following the tragedy reached 24 arrests.Pc Matthew Blades, 37, was identified at Teesside Coroner's Court by his wife after he died from head and neck injuries when a stolen Volkswagen Passat struck his patrol car on the A66 at South Bank on 22 August.Tom Clough, 38, was identified at Teesside Coroner's Court by his partner after dying alongside a fellow officer when a stolen Passat crossed into oncoming traffic on the A66.
PC Matthew Blades' two young sons walked out with the Manchester United squad at Old Trafford today as mascots, just eight days after their father was killed in the A66 crash. Bruno Fernandes, United's captain, personally led out the eldest boy, while goalkeeper Senne Lammens walked beside the youngest. United's programme described Blades as 'a proud Red, a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others.' His widow attended alongside the children as the club honoured the officer who was a regular at Old Trafford.
PC Blades, 37, and colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, died when a stolen VW Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough struck their patrol car on August 22.
Fans at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium also united in applause for both officers ahead of Saturday's Championship match against West Brom, with images of the constables displayed on screens.
The King has written letters of condolence to both officers' families, as Cleveland Police confirmed 24 people have now been arrested in an ongoing organised crime crackdown linked to the crash.
