Hertfordshire Federation stands with Cleveland colleagues following tragic deaths

26 August 2026

Chair Luke Mitchell says Hertfordshire Police Federation will support colleagues in Cleveland Police ‘in any way it can’ after two officers were killed on duty.

Luke paid tribute to PC Matt Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, who died in the early hours of Saturday (22 August) after their marked armed response vehicle was involved in a collision with a Volkswagen Passat near Middlesbrough.

Cleveland Police Federation has established a fundraising appeal that has raised more than £970,000 to support the families of PC Blades and PC Clough.

Luke said the response has been ‘extraordinary’.

 

PC Matt Blades (left) and PC Tom Clough

 

He said: “The thoughts of everyone at Hertfordshire Police Federation are very much with Matt and Tom’s families, friends and colleagues at Cleveland. There are no words that can adequately express the scale of the loss they are facing.

“When two officers fail to return home after their shift, it has a huge impact right across policing

“We know that risk is part of the job, but that does not make a tragedy like this any easier to comprehend.

“Our Chief Constable and I have already discussed this, and Hertfordshire Police and the Federation will act to support colleagues in Cleveland in any way we can.

Policing Family

“The policing family is a strong one, and when colleagues suffer a loss, we stand alongside them.

“The response to the fundraising appeal has been extraordinary. It demonstrates the enormous respect that still exists for police officers and the sacrifices they make.

“People recognise that behind the uniform are ordinary people whose families are now having to cope with an unbearable loss.

“No amount of money can change what has happened, but financial support can ease some of the pressures their families may face in the weeks, months and years ahead and I would encourage Hertfordshire members who are able to do so to consider supporting the appeal.”

PC Blades was married with two sons. PC Clough leaves behind a partner.

Funds raised through the appeal will be split between the two families, who will be able to use the money as they wish.

Lauren Somerville, Cleveland Police Federation chair, said: “We are simply staggered by the public’s reaction to this fundraising request, and would like to thank each and every person who has kindly donated. It means so much.

Completely numb

"We are a small force, and the death of our colleagues has been felt deeply. We are completely numb.

“Matt and Tom were not just colleagues, they were friends, teammates and valued members of the policing family.

“If some good can come of this, and the officer’s families can see such a phenomenal show of support from the public and police family towards them, and their future lives can be made just that little bit easier, then that is a small something that will keep us all going in the toughest of times.”

The officers’ families have paid tribute to them.

Matt’s wife said: "No words will ever feel like the right words to honour our Matt — my beloved husband, my best friend, and the most devoted father to our two young boys.

"He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle. He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.

"He gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness.

"The pain of losing him is beyond words, and our lives will never be the same. Neither will the love he gave us ever fade.

Incredible father

"Our children will grow up knowing what an incredible father he was and will always be, and I will carry his love, his memory and everything we shared with me always.

"He may have left this world committed to the duty he believed in, but his greatest legacy will always be the love he gave to his family.

"We would also like to express our deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to all of the emergency services and to our police family who have stood beside us through the most difficult time of our lives.

"The kindness, compassion, love and unwavering support we have received as a family has meant more to us than words could ever express. Every message, visit, gesture of support and every person who has stood alongside us will never be forgotten.

“Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our superhero. Our Matt and Dad."

The family of Tom said: "He was our hero with a fantastic sense of humour. Jumped into action whenever needed, and willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.

"We as a family and Tom's partner would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support and condolences from friends, colleagues and the wider community.”

Members can support the appeal by visiting the GoFundMe page.

READ MORE: Fed members urged to contact MP to maintain momentum for Andrew Harper.