Full Breakdown
£2 Million Funding Still Unpaid After Fatal A66 Crash
By Drooid · · How we work
Fatal Crash on the A66 and Immediate Toll
On 22 August, a high-speed pursuit on the A66 at South Bank, near Middlesbrough, ended in a collision that killed seven people. At about 03:39 BST, a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way struck a marked Cleveland Police vehicle. Police constables PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, died at the scene. The five occupants of the Passat—Michael Robert Cahill, 23; Jakub Matusiak, 23; Makai Saddington, 18; Theo Rae, 17; and Cole Robert Worthy, 17—were also killed.
Background of the Incident
Cleveland Police reported multiple dangerous-driving incidents earlier that morning, including a Volvo XC60 ramming properties. Subsequent investigations led to arrests linked to organised crime in the following weekend.
Funding Promise and Current Status
Following the tragedy, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood pledged an additional £2 million to support Cleveland Police and address the challenges arising from the crash. The Home Office confirmed that the £2 million would be provided by the end of November. As of the latest update, Cleveland Police have not yet received the promised funds, according to Police and Crime Commissioner Matt Storey.
Official Responses
Matt Storey, the Cleveland PCC, stated that the force remains waiting for the extra funding promised in August. Shabana Mahmood’s pledge was framed as a response to the “challenges faced by the force” after the deaths. The Home Office reiterated its commitment to deliver the money within the stated timeframe.
Next Steps
Cleveland Police continue to operate without the additional resources, while the Home Office is expected to fulfil the funding commitment by the end of November. No further details on how the funds will be allocated have been released.