PC Killed In A66 Crash Was Former Sellafield Officer

A police officer killed in a devastating A66 collision near Middlesbrough previously served at the Sellafield site in West Cumbria, where colleagues have paid tribute to him as a highly respected and dedicated officer.

PC Tom Clough, aged 38, was one of two Cleveland Police officers who died when a marked armed response vehicle collided with a Volkswagen Passat on the A66. Five members of the public also died in the collision, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

PC Clough joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2013 and remained with the organisation until April 2018. During that period, he was based at the Sellafield Operational Policing Unit, serving as an authorised firearms officer and carrying out specialist policing duties at the West Cumbrian nuclear site.

His career with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary included a period working as a temporary sergeant, demonstrating the level of responsibility he had taken on during his service. He also completed specialist training and developed a broad range of operational skills during his time with the force.

Among his specialist roles, PC Clough trained as a dynamic search officer and became a member of the force's interdiction team. He also qualified as a police medic and an operational firearms commander, adding significant specialist capabilities to his policing experience.

Chief Superintendent Richard Clark, who was PC Clough's commanding officer at the Sellafield Operational Policing Unit, said he had the privilege of working alongside him during numerous operational deployments and exercises. He described Clough as a highly professional officer who brought dedication, skill and commitment to his work.

PC Clough's former colleagues also remembered his personality away from his operational responsibilities. He was described as having a fun loving and cheeky nature, with a sense of humour that could raise the spirits of colleagues even during particularly demanding shifts.

His former commanding officer said PC Clough had an ability to bring people together and create a positive atmosphere around him. His warmth and character made him a popular figure among colleagues, many of whom remained close to him after he left the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary said PC Clough's death would be felt throughout the wider policing community. Chief Constable Simon Chesterman expressed condolences to the families of everyone involved in the tragedy and recognised the impact the deaths would have on colleagues who had served alongside the two officers.

PC Clough had also served in the British Army before becoming a police officer and had completed deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. His family said he had proudly served his country and remained committed to helping others throughout his life.

In a family statement, PC Clough was remembered as a hero with a fantastic sense of humour who was always willing to help people. His family and partner also expressed their gratitude for the messages of support and condolences received following his death.

The fatal collision involved a police armed response vehicle and a Volkswagen Passat, following reports of dangerous driving involving two vehicles in the Middlesbrough area. Police said the Passat was believed to have been associated with a Volvo XC60 and that both vehicles were using cloned registration plates.

Cleveland Police said the Volvo was believed to have been involved in incidents including vehicles being driven dangerously and properties being rammed. The vehicle was later traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as officers investigated the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.

Twelve people have been arrested as part of the wider investigation into the criminal activity believed to have preceded the crash. Cleveland Police said the arrests involved nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61, with allegations including participation in an organised crime group, possession of offensive weapons, criminal damage and firearms and drugs offences.

The investigation remains ongoing, alongside an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police response. PC Clough's death, together with that of PC Matthew Blades and five members of the public, has prompted widespread tributes, while his former colleagues at Sellafield continue to remember an officer whose career included years of specialist service in West Cumbria.

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