Hertfordshire Police Federation supports Cleveland colleagues

3 September 2026

“The support being shown by colleagues, the Federation and members of the public has been extraordinary,” says Luke Mitchell following his visit to Cleveland.

The chair of Hertfordshire Police Federation travelled to the North-East region following the tragic deaths of police officers, PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.

Luke said the visit provided a first-hand insight into the profound impact the loss has had on the small force, with the close-knit nature of the organisation having made the deaths particularly difficult for those left behind.

“Officers have shown remarkable resilience, but have also been open about how they are feeling and the impact the tragedy has had on them,” said Luke, who spent time supporting the team that worked with both officers.

 

Floral tributes adorn the Cleveland Police offices

 

“There was clearly a strong sense of officers and staff coming together, particularly in and around the stations where the two officers worked.

“And the impact has not been limited to police officers. Police staff have also been experiencing their own grief and emotions, with the force providing significant welfare support.

“One of the most difficult realities for officers following such a devastating event is that policing does not stop.

“The investigation continues. Daily business continues. Officers still have to respond to calls, protect the public and support their communities, despite what they may be experiencing personally. That is the nature of policing.”

Support

Luke described the welfare provision as ‘incredible’, with counselling and other support made available immediately to those who need it.

He said: “The atmosphere was understandably very emotional.

“It is clear that anyone in Cleveland who needs support can access it, and that support will remain available for as long as needed.”

Luke spent time in the Federation office, supporting chair Lauren Somerville and secretary Carl Baker.

 

Respects paid by Hertfordshire Police

 

“The visit highlighted the strength of the Police Federation network and the willingness of branches across the country to support one another when colleagues are facing extraordinary circumstances,” continued Luke, who said there was never a question about whether support should be offered to colleagues.

“Cleveland Police Federation is a small branch, supporting a force of around 1,500 officers. Its local team has been dealing with the enormous demands of the situation while continuing to manage the day-to-day business of the Federation.

“Carl and Lauren have worked relentlessly throughout the last seven days, supporting their members while also dealing with the wider impact of the tragedy.

“Carl has been involved in the management, while Lauren has been a visible presence for the organisation, helping to support officers and members during an unprecedented period.

Investigation

“With a major investigation underway and normal Federation business continuing, the visit was intended to ease pressure on the small team and provide practical support wherever possible.

“I hope that my visit gave the branch additional support at a time of tragedy, but also Carl and Lauren an opportunity to lean on colleagues.”

Luke said that one of the most striking aspects of the visit was the level of support coming from the public.

“Supermarkets have been delivering food and drinks to officers, while businesses, football clubs and members of the public have all found ways to show their appreciation and condolences,” he explained.

“At a Middlesbrough football match, officers were overwhelmed by the number of people who approached them to shake their hands and offer their condolences.

“There has also been a steady stream of members of the public visiting police headquarters to lay flowers.”

For Luke, witnessing this response was a powerful reminder that, despite how difficult policing can sometimes feel, communities do support their officers.

“The public response has been particularly significant for officers who have continued to work throughout an incredibly difficult period,” he said, adding: “Seeing members of the public thanking them and offering words of support has provided reassurance and comfort at a time when officers are dealing with their own grief.

“Police officers are usually the ones supporting and helping the public. In Cleveland, it felt as though the public were there to support the officers.”

Grief

And the support being provided must continue, said Luke.

“For some officers, the impact of the deaths will change their lives in the long term. While the immediate response has been exceptional, the need for welfare and emotional support will not necessarily disappear when the immediate crisis passes.

“The Force has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to its officers and staff, with senior leaders highly visible and welfare support available from the outset.

“That support needs to remain in place for as long as people require it - and I’m sure it will.”

Luke ended with a moment of reflection: “Behind every uniform are people - colleagues, friends, partners, parents and members of their communities - who are trying to process an unimaginable loss while continuing to do their jobs.

“And the way the wider Force has supported its officers during such an incredibly difficult period is nothing short of remarkable.

“The loss of two officers is an absolute travesty, and no words can adequately express the scale of that loss. But alongside the grief, there has been an extraordinary demonstration of support.

“The events have demonstrated the strength of the relationship between policing and the communities officers serve, while also showcasing the solidarity that exists across the Police Federation.”

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