Humberside Police Federation

10/09/2026

Family, friends and colleagues from military and policing came together in an incredible celebration of public service at the funeral of Cleveland Police PC Tom Clough.

The 38-year-old was remembered for his wonderful sense of humour and his dedicated sense of duty at the ceremony of celebration of his life in Kirkleatham on Thursday.

As well as leaving behind his partner and surviving family members, PC Clough also left behind his beloved sausage dog Frank.

Tom was remembered at the funeral on Thursday as a man who had proudly served his country to make the world a better place and had always been on public duty throughout his life.

PC Clough's funeral cortege was led by four police horses and flanked by military personnel, police motorcycles and a a single armed response vehicle.

A piper accompanied the procession as it made its way into Kirkleatham Walled Garden.

PC Clough's coffin was adorned with a Union Jack flag and his police helmet; with a simple red and white flower arrangement.

PC Clough died – alongside PC Matthew Blades - when a Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way down the road collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough on Saturday August 22.

In a statement released after his funeral service – via Cleveland Police Federation – PC Clough’s family said they wanted to say thank you for the support they have received.

Federation Chair Lauren Somerville said: “Tom’s family want to say thank you, the public support they have received has been overwhelming and it has helped to keep them going in these very difficult times.

“Tom wasn’t just a Cleveland Police Officer, he was a partner and a brother and a son - but he was also a father to a sausage dog called Frank, who he loved so deeply.

“Tom used to say that there wouldn’t be anybody at his funeral… as we have witnessed today, he could not have been more wrong.

“The tributes paid to Tom were uplifting, emotional and profound.

“Tom was so full of fun – he is described as giving everything to everybody.”

Police officers from Tom’s previous forces – the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and the British Transport Police – also attended the funeral to pay their respects.

Police Minister Sarah Jones represented the Government.

Dozens of colleagues from Cleveland Police flanked the street, alongside members of the public and representatives from the other emergency services to pay tribute to the popular officer.

Lauren added: “Tom was loved deeply by his colleagues, people have been contacting me who worked with Tom, years and years ago. He served in the military, he was in the Civil Nuclear Police, the British Transport Police and Cleveland Police.

“I would say that it would be an understatement to say that every single place that he served was privileged to have him with them.

“He will be hugely missed.”

09/09/2026

A loving husband and father who brought infectious “light and laughter to every room” was remembered at the emotional funeral of Cleveland Police officer PC Matt Blades.

A full Police Guard of Honour was on display with hundreds of grieving colleagues lining the streets of Hartlepool as loved ones and friends paid final respects to PC Blades at St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church.

Hundreds of people packed the church, with members of the public and paramedics also in attendance on the roads outside paying their respects to the 37 year old father of two, who died on duty in the early hours of Saturday August 22.

Standard bearers from every force across the country - including Humberside - lined the route as PC Blades’ hearse made the journey to the church.

His coffin was dr**ed in the Union flag. The hearse carried a floral tribute at its front: “Dad”.

In a statement, his family said: “Matt’s laughter may no longer fill the room, but the memories of his humour, his love and the happiness he brought us will stay in our hearts forever.”

There was silence as mourners bowed their heads as PC Blades' coffin made its way slowly to the church – followed by his family - as part of the ceremonial parade.

Hundreds of officers from Cleveland Police were on parade, many wearing a patch with the thin blue line and the officers’ names and collar numbers - PC 2443 Blades and PC3234 Clough.

PC Blades died – alongside PC Tom Clough - when a Volkswagen Passat driving the wrong way down the road collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough.

In a full statement issued after the funeral from Cleveland Police Federation, his wife said: “There are no words powerful enough to express the heartbreak of losing my beloved best friend, my husband and father to our beautiful boys, especially in such tragic and unimaginable circumstances.

“The heart of our family has been taken from us and from those who loved him far too soon.

“The pain of his absence will be felt every day, but so will the love he gave, the memories he created, and the precious place he will forever hold in the hearts of his family.

“He may no longer be here to hold our hands, but his love will remain with them for the rest of their lives. He will be loved, remembered and missed beyond words, today, tomorrow and always.

“He will be incredibly proud and thankful for all the support that’s being given to us as a family.

“We miss everything about him, but perhaps most of all, we miss his laughter, his silly jokes and the way he could always make everyone smile, even when we least expected it.

“He was the joker of the family, the one who brought light and laughter into every room, and life feels unbearably quiet without him.

“Matt’s laughter may no longer fill the room, but the memories of his humour, his love and the happiness he brought us will stay in our hearts forever.

“We will miss him more than words could ever say, and we will love him always.”

Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said: “The Police Family came together shoulder to shoulder today, arm in arm to remember our brave colleague PC Matthew Blades.

“It was an honour and a privilege to attend today’s funeral on behalf of our colleagues across Cleveland.

“His family have shown incredible dignity and bravery since those awful events in August and it was our privilege to play our small part in honouring Matt’s memory.

“Matt was a devoted husband and father. An adored son and brother, son-in-law, and is remembered as the most fun uncle. He has been taken from his loving family far too soon and they remain squarely in our thoughts.

“The support and love we offer them does not end today. We will always be there to take care of them.”

Police Minister Sarah Jones attended the service on behalf of the Government and PC Blades’s coffin was piped into the service to the tune “Amazing Grace”.

Tributes to PC Blades were made throughout the hour long funeral service – including from Cleveland Police Chief Constable Victoria Fuller.

Lauren added: “Matt was a police officer who was loved deeply by his colleagues and clearly a cherished and much missed football coach.

“It was so moving to hear the stories of his humour and cheekiness. That’s the man who will be remembered fondly and we will never grow tired of hearing these stories.

“Policing Cleveland will continue – but we will ensure that Matt and Tom, and their legacy, will never be forgotten.”

09/09/2026

Remembering PC Linton Le Blanc, of Humberside Police, who died on duty on this day in 1979

07/09/2026

offers for Humberside Police officers are available here https://www.polfed.org/humber/member-services/

02/09/2026

Historic 1 Million Signature Petition Delivered to Downing Street

This afternoon Thames Valley Police Federation went to Number 10 Downing Street to drop off the petition signed by more than 1 million people calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to not be released early from prison.

A historic public backing for police officers - which left the Government with no choice but to act and change their early release plans.

Aileen O’Connor, Chair of Thames Valley Police Federation, said: “The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition calling for the killers of PC Andrew Harper to remain behind bars was a historic public backing for police officers.

“We want to thank each and every person from across the United Kingdom and the who signed it - and provided this incredible support for the police service and our colleagues working out there now, risking it all keeping the public safe.

“The fact Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Government - despite saying it could not be done – this week eventually listened and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars has to be welcomed.

“But let’s be clear – we all left them with no option.

“The weight of public and policing anger at the plans for early release of those who kill police officers was huge. And that’s why we feel we had to still deliver this petition in person today.

“To properly acknowledge and recognise the strength of support.

“And to put the Government on notice that we will not stand – as police officers – to be treated with such disdain in the future."

30/08/2026

Prime Minister Announces PC Andrew Harper's Killers To Stay In Jail - following relentless Thames Valley Police Federation Campaign.

TVP Federation Chair Aileen O'Connor reacts after Andy Burnham announced this morning the killers of PC Andrew Harper would now NOT be eligible for early release.

Thanks from TVP Federation go to everyone - and all Police Federations - who backed their campaign.

Aileen said: “PC Andrew Harper made the ultimate sacrifice for the job that he loved, serving communities, serving society.

“His killers should never have been considered for early release. It remains shocking that they were.

“We are pleased that the Government - despite what was frankly initial reluctance – has eventually listened, seen sense and made the right decision to keep these lowlifes behind bars.

“They had no option.

“The weight of public and policing opinion against such plans was overwhelming.

“The fact that more than 1 million people signed our petition over this was a historic public backing for police officers.

“The fact 50 Chief Constables across the UK wrote an open letter calling for the Government to reconsider was unprecedented.

“The right and proper decision has been made.”

Aileen added: “There is wider good news here that – as a result of our campaigning work – a wider collection of criminals will not be eligible for early release so there is better news today for many more families.”

Aileen concluded: “We would like to offer huge thanks to everyone who backed our campaign.

“The one million people who signed our petition and all those who offered messages of support. You have made a difference.

“Police officers put themselves in harm's way every day.

“They head towards danger when everyone else is running away.

“They do so knowing that they may never come home to their families. We have only seen in recent days in Cleveland, the danger colleagues face.

“Our thoughts remain with the families of PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades.

“And – as always – our thoughts remain with Andrew’s wife Lissie, his family, friends and close colleagues in Thames Valley Police.”

27/08/2026

The campaign to keep the killers of PC Andrew Harper behind bars took to the Ministry of Justice this week - with the Government left in no doubt they need to listen to public and policing anger about proposed early release plans.

Thames Valley Police Federation Chair Aileen O’Connor, Chief Constable Jason Hogg and Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber met with Alex Norris, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice on Wednesday.

The meeting in Westminster was described as “positive”, with a hope that legislation keeping PC Harper’s killers behind bars will be brought to Parliament early next week.

Reports emerged last night in the Telegraph that Chief Constables in England and Wales have been told Mr Norris plans to introduce secondary legislation – a mechanism to change existing laws quickly – to enact the required changes, which are likely to cover manslaughter, r**e and child grooming.

They are expected to exempt “unlawful act” manslaughter, where a person causes the death of another while committing an illegal act.
And that this could come early next week.

Aileen said: “The meeting was constructive, it was positive, the Lord Chancellor listened to what I had to say. I was quite forthright. I just need to see a plan come to fruition to keep Andrew’s killers where they belong – behind bars.

“I don’t think we’ll see that plan until next week when Parliament is back. So all in all I remain optimistic… As I’ve said before, there’s a glimmer of optimism for me.

“I go back to what the Prime Minister Andy Burnham said, he is optimistic that there will be a plan that will prevent the release of Andrew’s killers early… and we will be holding them to account on this.”

During the meeting, the Thames Valley trio highlighted to Mr Norris the more than 1 million signatures on the public petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Harper's killers.

And a letter from 50 Chief Constables across the UK calling for the Government to reconsider.

Thames Valley Police Federation’s campaign had paused for five days as a mark of respect following the death on duty of Cleveland Police colleagues PC Tom Clough and PC Matthew Blades on Saturday.

Aileen said: “Out thoughts remain with Matt and Tom’s family, friends and colleagues following this unimaginable loss.

“Their tragic deaths puts more vigour around what we are trying to achieve here in terms of stopping the early release of Andrew’s killers. Tom and Matt died like Andrew in the line of duty, in horrendous circumstances.

“The Government must offer protection for our protectors.”

There was huge anger from PC Harper’s family and police officers across the UK earlier in August when it emerged that two of the men who the Thames Valley Police officer in 2019 were to be eligible to be released from jail early in a matter of months.

Having served less than half of their 13 year sentences for his manslaughter.

The public joined the police family in anger by getting behind the petition, which remains live https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-stop-the-early-release-from-jail-of-pc-andrew-harper-s-killers.

Aileen added: “I just want to reiterate a huge thank-you very much again to everybody who has signed and shared our petition.

“We’re up to over a million and sixty-five thousand people… that’s the Great British public up and down the country backing our police officers and I’m very grateful.

“But we keep going. We keep going until it’s signed, sealed and delivered… and we’re not there just yet.”

26/08/2026

A phenomenal £1million has been raised in memory of PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades in an official Federation Fundraiser for the officer's families.

The GoFundMe page - launched by Cleveland Police Federation after the tragic deaths of their colleagues in the early hours of Saturday morning – has reached the landmark figure in just three days.

Money raised from this official fundraiser - backed by the force and with the knowledge of the officer's families - will be split between Matt and Tom's loved ones in the coming weeks as they seek to navigate their devastating loss.

Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said she was “overwhelmed by the reaction from the public” to the Fundraiser and the “outpouring of support to the families of Matt and Tom means so much.”

She added: “I would like to say a massive thank you to all those who have very kindly donated to the memorial fund for our brave colleagues PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades.

“It is extraordinary how the public have shown their support in such numbers and it’s been so comforting to see the donations, to see the comments, to see the support that we’ve had.

“There are people reaching out messaging us in solidarity and with messages of condolence following this terrible, terrible tragedy. We have been inundated.

“And I would say, please, please, please keep that support going because the family need that support. My colleagues need that support and that support is so important to honour Matt and Tom’s memory.”

PC Clough, 38, and PC Blades, 37, died when a Volkswagen Passat collided with their marked armed response car on the A66 near Middlesbrough in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Matt was married with two sons. Tom leaves behind a partner.

Cleveland Police Federation launched the GoFundMe Page at 5pm on Sunday after receiving a number of requests over how to donate or support the officer’s families. The public have inundated the page with donations and messages of condolence.

Lauren added: “Matt and Tom were both dedicated and committed Cleveland Police Officers, who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.

“The fact they did not return home to their families is both unfathomable and unthinkable. We will do everything we can to honour them.

“Their families are at the core of all of this and we will do everything, anything, they need in these moments and anything they need in the days, weeks and years that follow.

“And to all of our members that are affected by this, I want them all to know that I’m here, I’m listening, I will get all of our members exactly what they are needing in this tragedy.

“This is going to affect generations of our officers, this is going to leave a scar on Cleveland Police and all of us need to work together to get through this.”

Lauren concluded: “Reaching £1million in donations is a phenomenal show of support from the public and police family towards our colleagues and hopefully their families’ future lives can be made just that little bit easier because of this incredible generosity.”

The page can be accessed here https://www.gofundme.com/f/pc-matthew-blades-and-pc-thomas-clough

24/08/2026

Memorial Fundraiser Launched for Families of PC Matt Blades and PC Tom Clough

Matt and Tom were both dedicated and committed Cleveland Police Officers who left their families and went to work to serve their community and protect the public.

The fact they did not return home to their families is unfathomable and unthinkable. Cleveland Police Federation are supporting and will continue to support the families of Matt and Tom.

Cleveland Police Federation would like to thank the public and the Police Family for countless messages of condolence and support since yesterday morning's tragic incident.

They have had a number of requests over how to donate to support their families - so to facilitate this they have launched a Go Fund Me Page.

Please note this is the official Cleveland Police Federation Go Fund Me Page for our fallen colleagues, launched by Secretary Carl Baker. No other similar pages have been started or are endorsed by the Federation.

Should you be willing to donate or share this on your Social Media pages then the link is here https://gofund.me/a8a470cb5

Any funds raised will be split equally between their two families to be used as they so wish.

Thanks again for all your support.

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

23/08/2026

The families of Cleveland Police Officers PC Tom Clough and PC Matt Blades have paid emotional tributes to their loved ones following their deaths on duty in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Pictures of the brave officers have now been officially released by their families. Tom is pictured left. Matt on the right.

Matt’s wife has paid the following tribute to him: "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.

"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.”