Cleveland Police Federation

08/09/2026

"The FC U10 Reds have changed their name to FC Blades in tribute to coach Matt, whose influence on the team and everyone around it will never be forgotten."

Grassroots football club changes name in lasting legacy to PC Matthew Blades

FC Hartlepool's U10 Reds team has paid tribute to the officer with a name change :: 'Some things in football mean far more than the result'

07/09/2026

A memorial collection has been created in memory of PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough

It can be seen here

05/09/2026

Cleveland Police's Chief Constable has said she is proud of her "brave" force but that it was being "let down" by the way it was funded

Victoria Fuller tells the BBC the force's resources need a rethink, speaking after the A66 crash in Middlesbrough which killed seven including two officers.

04/09/2026

That this House expresses its immense sadness at the deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, two brave and dedicated Cleveland Police officers, who died in the line of duty on 22 August 2026

Further expresses its sorrow for the heart-breaking loss felt by their families and by their colleagues in Cleveland Police; notes with admiration the work of frontline Cleveland Police officers, Police and Community Support Officers and all Cleveland Police staff in carrying on their duties in protecting and serving the Cleveland community despite their pain and grief;

That this House expresses its immense sadness at the deaths of PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough, two brave and dedicated Cleveland Police officers, who died in the line of duty on 22 August 2026; further expresses its sorrow for the heart-breaking loss felt by their families and by their colleagu...

02/09/2026

Chair Lauren Somerville was on Sky News yesterday thanking the public for their generosity to the families of PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough

31/08/2026

Closing of the Federation Fundraising Page in Memory of Tom and Matt

We wanted to thank every single person who backed this fundraiser in support of the families of our colleagues PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough.

The response since we launched the official page one week ago has been truly overwhelming.

After careful consideration, we have made the decision to close The Federation Fundraiser to new donations tomorrow, 1st of September, at 9am.

Carl Baker, Secretary of Cleveland Police Federation, said: "There are simply not enough words to properly thank everyone for what you have done in memory of Matt and Tom.

"The kindness and generosity shown by people across the country and beyond has meant an enormous amount, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has stood behind both families during such an unimaginably difficult time.

"We are working directly with the team at GoFundMe to make sure everything is appropriately set up for the funds raised to support both families.

"From everyone at Cleveland Police Federation, thank you for standing with the families of Matt and Tom and for showing just how much support is around them."

PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough were both dedicated and committed Police Officers… Carl Baker needs your support for PC Matthew Blades and PC Thomas Clough

30/08/2026

Our thanks to Manchester United for supporting the family of PC Matthew Blades today at this very difficult time.

Matt's sons were mascots at the United v Ipswich game today.

More here https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckg8x0ex8gno

29/08/2026

Thanks to fans of Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion for this incredible show of support prior to their match this afternoon, in memory of Matt and Tom.

Our thanks also to Hartlepool and Eastleigh for similarly remembering our colleagues before the fixture last night. As did Darlington and Macclesfield today.

28/08/2026

Thank you from all at Cleveland Police Federation to everyone for their support this week - it means so much to us all.

To the public for their messages of support and condolence and for their incredible generosity in memory of our fallen colleagues.

To the police family - serving and retired officers and family members - who have been unstinting in their backing for us.

To our police colleagues - operational officers who have come to our aid and Federation colleagues who have come to offer support and refreshment.

Thank you

Our thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades, and their friends and close colleagues.

28/08/2026

Chair Lauren Somerville spoke to BBC Radio Tees this morning as colleagues continue to have to work through pain and grief

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdj43zkjweyo