Sons of police officer killed in A66 crash appear as Manchester United mascots

The sons of a police officer killed in a head-on crash near Middlesbrough led out Manchester United during a home match on Sunday.

PC Matthew Blades, described by the club as a "proud Red", was killed in a collision with a vehicle going the wrong way down the A66 last weekend.

The vehicle that struck his had been involved in a police pursuit shortly before, but officers broke off the chase. Mr Blades' colleague PC Tom Clough also died in the collision.

The club expressed "great sadness" at the death of the two PCs and invited Mr Blades' wife and two sons to their Premier League match against Ipswich at Old Trafford.

Walking with captain Bruno Fernandes and goalkeeper Senne Lammens, the children led out the team onto the pitch as mascots.

Manchester United said in a statement: "Matthew was a proud Red, a devoted family man and a police officer who dedicated his life to helping others.

"For Matt, some of his happiest times were spent watching United with his boys."

On Saturday, Middlesbrough paid tribute to the pair and other Cleveland Police officers, holding a minute's silence before their match with West Bromich Albion.

Manchester United also published a tribute from an unnamed friend and colleague of PC Blades in their programme on Sunday.

It read: "For Matthew, United was a lifelong love, a passion he shared with his family.

"Since Matt's tragic death there has been an extraordinary outpouring of grief and support. That love has been seen in countless tributes and acts of kindness.

"Today, we remember a fellow Red. A husband. A father. A son. A brother. A friend. A police officer. A man who gave his life in the service of others. Forever our superhero."

(c) Sky News 2026: Sons of police officer killed in A66 crash appear as Manchester United mascots