D3.A.DLY CRASH: A66 HORROR DEEPENS — Four of the five joyriders k!l.l3d in the wrong-way smash had criminal pasts… while 12 are now caught up in a major ‘organised crime’ probe
DEADLY CRASH Four of five joyriders killed in A66 wrong-way smash had previous convictions – as 12 held in ‘organised crime’ probe
FOUR of the five joyriders killed in the horror A66 smash had previous convictions – as 12 people are arrested.
The shocking crash saw a Volkswagen Passat crash into a cop car while driving in the wrong direction on the A66, killing PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38.
Emergency services at the scene on the A66 in South BankCredit: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire
The five young men in the Passat, who also died, were named as Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, Jacob Matusiak, 23, and Makai Saddington, 18.
Cleveland Police said today that four of those killed in the vehicle – Worthy, Matusiak, Saddington and Rae – which hit the cop car had previous police convictions.
All four had previously appeared in court charged with a series of offences.
Saddington pleaded guilty to possession of a Class C drug and a knife in May 2025 and months later admitted three offences of assaulting a police officer.
Floral tributes have been laid at Cleveland Police HQ for the two dead officersCredit: PA
Dozens of flowers and cards were left for the two tragic copsCredit: PA
The teenager was hauled back into court in June and pleaded guilty to assaulting another police officer and racially aggravated intentional harassment.
Meanwhile, Worthy admitted using threatening and abusive language to cause harassment, alarm and distress in October 2024.
He also pleaded guilty to common assault of a police officer in April last year and failing to surrender to custody a month later.
And in June last month he admitted driving without a licence and insurance, without reasonable consideration and using a mobile phone.
In March, Matusiak admitted using a vehicle without insurance and driving without a licence.
Rae was convicted of assaulting a police officer, shoplifting, stealing cars, theft, drug possession and breaching a youth rehabilitation order.
Cops have also confirmed that nine men and three women aged between 19 and 61, have been arrested on suspicion of several offences.
The alleged offences include possession of a firearm and participating in the activities of an organised crime group.
Some of those arrested over the A66 investigation are suspected of “participating in the activities of an organised crime group” Cleveland Police added.
Cops are continuing to investigate the moments leading up to the fatal smash on Saturday.
PC Matthew Blades’ (pictured) wife has paid a touching tribute to her husbandCredit: Cleveland Police
PC Tom Clough tragically died in the horror collisionCredit: PA
In the early hours of Saturday 22 August, police received several reports of two vehicles being driven dangerously.
The first vehicle, which is believed to be a Volvo XC60, was witnessed to be ramming properties in the Middlesbrough area.
The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, is believed to have been associated with the activities of the Volvo XC60.
The Volvo XC60 involved in the initial reports has been traced and recovered in Middlesbrough as part of the criminal investigation.
Cleveland Police believes the Passat was being driven with cloned number plates and had been linked to several suspicious incidents.
And just moments before the horrifying fatal smash, officers had been chasing the car in a highspeed pursuit for seven minutes through residential streets.
Ring doorbell footage captured it being driven at speed through streets in Middlesbrough at around 3.36am.
Cops called off the pursuit when the Passat went on to the A66 because it had begun travelling the wrong way down the road.
But just ten seconds later, the car slammed into a different marked police vehicle travelling correctly on the A66.
Cleveland police have also said there is no evidence to indicate that filming of the activities that took place on Friday night and Saturday morning has taken place for the purposes of TikTok.
Close friends Theo Rae, 17, (left) and Cole Worthy, 17, both died in the crashCredit: Facebook/Theo Rae
Jacob Matusiak, 23, was one of the passengers in the PassatCredit: Facebook/Jakub Hewitt
Assistant Chief Constable Wayne Fox, responsible for the strategic leadership of the investigation, said: “This has been a fast moving and complex investigation, with significant links to serious and organised criminal activity.
“The events of that tragic night will have a lasting and profound impact on the Cleveland area and the communities we seek to protect.
“We have a duty to respond to, and thoroughly investigate, the serious criminal activity that resulted in this fatal incident, and to bring all those responsible to justice.
“Our robust response will continue in the weeks and months to come, as we continue to tackle those that seek to cause harm to our communities and tackle serious and organised crime.
Makai Saddington, 18, also died
Michael Cahill, 23, who had no convictions, died in the crash which also killed two police officersCredit: Facebook/Michael Ray
“Officers and staff across Cleveland have shown incredible resilience in continuing their work in the face of tragedy.
“Two of their colleagues lost their lives while serving the people of Cleveland and, while the impact will be felt by our people for a long time to come, they have continued to act with the upmost professionalism.
“I am also extremely grateful for the support we have received, and continue to receive, from the public of Cleveland and our wider police family.”
The devastating crash has now left two police families grieving officers who had gone to work to protect others.
PC Blades was a husband and father-of-two who had recently taken on a new role coaching Seaton Carew FC and was preparing to coach the club’s under-sevens team, where his own son plays.
His wife has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her “beloved husband”, “best friend” and “the most devoted father to our two young boys”.
PC Clough, 38, had previously served with the British Transport Police and was also a former soldier.
His family described him as their “hero” and a man with a “fantastic” sense of humour who would always jump into action when needed.
The five young men who died in the Passat have also been mourned by relatives and friends.
