A FUNDRAISER for two police officers killed in a crash has reached more than £800,000.
PC Matthew Blades and PC Tom Clough died when their marked police vehicle was involved in a crash with a Volkswagen Passat in South Bank, at 3.39am on Saturday, August 22.
The officers were among seven people who died at the scene.
A fundraiser set up by the Cleveland Police Federation on Sunday has already raised more than £825,000.
Organisers said the money raised would be split equally between the two officers’ families, with the federation continuing to provide sup
PC Clough, 38, previously served with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) at the Sellafield Operational Policing Unit in west Cumbria between 2013 and 2018.
Simon Chesterman, chief constable of the CNC, said: "I would like to express my condolences on behalf of all members of the CNC towards the families of all those involved in this tragic incident.
"Tom had previously served with the CNC, and we know his loss and that of PC Matthew Blades will be felt across the whole policing community."
PC Blades, 37, was a former teacher at Carmel College in Darlington before joining the police.
Cumbria Police Federation chair Ed Russell said: "Every single officer in Cumbria Constabulary stands beside our colleagues in Cleveland, united in grief at the loss of two of our brothers.
"Our thoughts go out to their families and colleagues in these dark hours."
Police said nine men and three women, aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested following an investigation into alleged criminal activity before the crash.
The force also confirmed four occupants of the Passat had previous convictions, including some involving offences against police officers.
A silent vigil is due to be held at St John the Evangelist Church on Monday evening to mourn the seven people who lost their lives.
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