Five teens killed in A66 wrong-way crash during police chase named
Five teenagers who died when their VW Passat drove the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough have been named. Two police officers also lost their lives in the collision.
Names emerge after fatal A66 crash that killed five youths and two officers
The five teenagers who lost their lives when a VW Passat drove the wrong way along the A66 in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, during a police chase have been identified locally, Google News IE — Crime (en) reports.
The young men have been named online as Michael Ray, Theo Rae, Cole Worthy, Jakub Matusiak and Makai Saddington. Police are expected to formally confirm the identifications later.
The crash, which occurred at 3.39am on Saturday, also killed two Cleveland Police officers — PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38 — when their patrol car was struck by the oncoming vehicle.
Ring doorbell footage reviewed by investigators shows the Passat travelling at speed through the streets of Middlesbrough at 3.36am. Officers called off the pursuit when the car turned onto the A66, moments before the collision.
TikTok videos show reckless driving prior to crash
It has since emerged that at least one of the teenagers had previously posted videos on TikTok depicting reckless driving at high speed. In one clip recorded in May by a passenger and set to rap music, an 18-year-old is shown in an Audi tearing through a housing estate with the blue lights of a police car flashing behind. The vehicle is then shown swerving across a playing field in an apparent attempt to evade officers.
A separate account linked to the same individual includes footage of a green Nissan being driven before being set alight, alongside images of him and a friend posing in cars while wearing black balaclavas.
Independent investigation under way
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances of the crash following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police.
Tributes paid to officers and teenagers
Tributes have continued to arrive for both officers. Cleveland Police have not yet officially released photographs of PC Blades or PC Clough.
Seaton Carew FC, a football club where PC Blades had recently taken up a coaching role, posted a tribute overnight. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that Seaton Carew FC shares the devastating news of the passing of one of our coaches, Matty, who tragically lost his life in a fatal accident while carrying out his duties as a police officer," the club wrote.
The statement noted that Blades had only recently joined and was preparing to coach his own son in the club's new under-7 Seahawks team. "Matty and his oldest son are much-loved members of our club and our U10 Lions football family," the post continued. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Matty's wife, his two boys, and all of his family and friends." The club added that flags at the ground were flying at half-mast.
Makai Saddington's aunt, Sharon Morgan, also paid tribute on social media. "Today is a day I never thought I would have to face," she wrote. "I'm heartbroken to say that we lost my beloved nephew today — our Makai. There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life."
Morgan continued: "You brought so much love and happiness into our family, and your memory will stay with us forever. This loss has left a space in our hearts that can never be filled. Rest peacefully, my beautiful nephew. You will never be forgotten."
She asked followers to keep the family in their thoughts, "especially our Alisha, his Mam."
The IOPC investigation is ongoing. Cleveland Police have not yet issued a formal statement naming all five young men.
Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)