Hundreds of officers and public gather to honor fallen PC Matthew Blades
A large police presence and community turnout marked the funeral of PC Matthew Blades, who died in an A66 collision.
The funeral of PC Matthew Blades, killed in an early-morning A66 crash, drew hundreds of police officers who formed a cordon along Hutton Avenue, some displaying the identifiers “Pc 2443 BLADES” and “Pc 3234 CLOUGH.” A white and red floral arrangement marked “Dad” on the hearse, which was led by a police motorbike outrider and accompanied by four mounted officers. As the procession approached the church, standard bearers lowered flags and a Union Flag draped the coffin, while four pipers and a drummer played Amazing Grace.
Emergency services from North East Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance were present, and Chief Constable Victoria Fuller welcomed attendees. The ceremony featured tributes from colleagues, family members and local residents, highlighting Blades' roles as an armed response officer, football coach and school teacher.
