Masked Youths Spark Fury by Arranging 'Disrespectful' Tribute for the A66 Joyriders That Killed Two Officers

A public outrage was caused by balaclava-clad youths after setting up a rowdy tribute for the five 'joyriders' who caused the horrific crash along the A66 on Saturday, August 22. Roughly 200 masked youths were in the tribute held at Southbank, near Middlesbrough, just yards from where the fatal collision occurred.

Witnesses stated that the masked attendees became rowdy when they started setting off flares, fireworks, and balloons. Some of them were reportedly riding off-road bikes and loudly roaring their engines on Monday, August 24.

Commentators criticised the memorial because it took place at the same time as another tribute was being held nearby for the two officers who lost their lives in the crash, PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.

South Bank Vigil Turned Rowdy

The gathering for the five passengers that caused the crash Matusiak, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Makai Saddington, 18, Theo Rae, 17, and Cole Robert Worthy, 17- took place in a field in South Bank just days after the fatal collision.

According to reports, the tribute started shortly after 5:00 PM, starting with hundreds of orange balloons being released into the air to commemorate Matusiak, who reportedly was fond of the colour.

Afterwards, coloured flares were set off while other attendees rode around the field in scooters, quad bikes and off-road motorcycles. The masked riders reportedly roared their engines loudly, as per witnesses.

A Stark Contrast Tribute for the Officers

The scenes have prompted criticism because the gathering came in the aftermath of the deaths of Blades and Clough, who were travelling in a marked armed response vehicle when the Passat struck them on the wrong side of the A66.

Separate tributes have been paid to the two officers, in the form of a silent prayer vigil held at St John the Evangelist Church in South Bank.

The officers' families have also released deeply personal tributes. Clough's family described him as "our hero", praising his sense of humour and willingness to help others.

Blades, 37, was remembered by his wife as her "beloved husband", "best friend" and the devoted father of their two young sons. She said he had given his life in the line of duty and described him as an adored son, brother and uncle.

The wider police and local community have also rallied around the officers' families, raising over £260,000 by Monday, 24 August.

An Ongoing Investigation

Cleveland Police has launched a major investigation into what they believe was criminality that led to the fatal collision. Authorities revealed that they received several reports on Saturday morning concerning two vehicles being driven dangerously.

Investigators believe that the car, a Volkswagen Passat, that crashed against the police vehicle was connected to the activity and have also recovered a Volvo XC60.

The Passat had been pursued by police before travelling onto the A66 in the wrong direction, and was called off shortly before the collision. PC Blades and PC Clough were not part of that pursuit; their vehicle was in the area assisting with a search.

Twelve people have since been arrested across Teesside as part of the wider investigation. Cleveland Police said the suspects, nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61, were arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of a firearm and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.