Durham Fed reps stand alongside Cleveland officers in time of need

8 September 2026

Durham Police Federation representatives have been supporting colleagues across Cleveland Police following the tragic deaths of two officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.

Following a call from Cleveland Police Federation for additional support, representatives from the Durham branch have been deployed as part of the mutual aid being provided to colleagues across the neighbouring force.

They spent time at Stockton Police Station in Durham’s welfare van, providing hot and cold drinks, refreshments, and a place to sit and take a few moments away from the pressures of the day.

Sergeant Lisa Hall, who was among those volunteering to support colleagues, said the response has highlighted the strength of the policing family.

“What has really struck me is that people in Durham may not have known these officers personally, but they have been deeply affected by what has happened. There have been people in tears,” she said.

“When something like this happens, it really brings home just how difficult and dangerous policing can be.

“But ultimately, we are all part of the same policing family and we have a strong partnership with Cleveland.”

Temporary Inspector Matt Heinzman, who joined Lisa, said the support is just as much about the small things - like making someone a cup of tea, getting them a cold drink or providing a listening ear to colleagues when they need it most.

“It has been really good to see how all the forces have come together at a time when people need that support,” he said, adding: “The welfare van is there as an all-round welfare facility. There are hot drinks, cold drinks, a fridge stocked with refreshments, somewhere to sit and a toilet. It gives people the opportunity to take ten minutes, have a cup of tea, get away from everything and just breathe.

“They can come and talk to us without any judgement. Sometimes you just need someone who isn't connected to the incident to have a chat with.”

He said the response from Cleveland officers and staff had been hugely appreciative.

“People are finding it hard, and it is testing them,” he continued.

Lisa added: “And we can’t forget, the job is continuing. Officers are still having to investigate what has happened while also dealing with the death of their colleagues.

“We are new faces to them. We are not connected to what has happened, so we can be there, listen and provide that bit of support.

“It might seem like a small thing, but having someone there who understands what policing is like, and who can simply say ‘we're here for you’, makes a difference.”

The support has also extended beyond police officers, with the impact being felt across the wider policing family.

Lisa said: “It is not just about officers. People across the whole team have been affected. 

“Until you are in the police, you don't really understand the term ‘policing family’. But it is 100 per cent unique. When something like this happens, everyone comes together.

“We will look after one another.”

Durham Police Federation secretary Phil Stephenson said the Federation was determined to be there for Cleveland colleagues at a time when they needed support.

“Our reps have been at the other end of the phone and on the ground, supporting officers and staff in whatever way they can,’ said Phil.

“Police officers understand better than most what it means to lose a colleague, and we understand the pressures that continue even when people are dealing with shock, grief and sadness.

“This is about making sure our colleagues know they are not on their own. Sometimes that means representation and advice, sometimes it means practical welfare support, and sometimes it simply means sitting down with someone and listening.

“The fact that Fed representatives from different forces have given up their own time, including time on rest days, to come and support Cleveland colleagues says a huge amount about the policing family.

“We stand together in difficult times. That support matters, and it will continue to matter in the days and weeks ahead.”

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