29/08/2026
I am deeply saddened to learn that one of the lives lost on the A66 was a man who had spent much of his own life protecting others.
PC Tom Clough was only 38.
But in those 38 years, he had already served his country in Afghanistan and Iraq, protected the public as a police officer, and dedicated himself to helping others whenever he was needed.
He was described by his family as their hero.
A man with a fantastic sense of humour. A man who would jump into action whenever duty called. A man who was always willing to help anyone, for any reason.
Before joining Cleveland Police, Tom served with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary at Sellafield. He was an Authorised Fi****ms Officer, Police Medic, Dynamic Search officer, member of the Interdiction Team and Operational Fi****ms Commander.
But those who knew him remembered far more than his qualifications.
They remembered his cheeky nature. His warmth. His humour.
They remembered a man who could light up any room he entered and lift spirits even during the most demanding shifts.
That is perhaps the hardest part of stories like this.
Behind the uniform was not simply an officer who had served with professionalism and courage.
There was a son. A partner. A family member. A friend.
A man who had proudly fought for his country and then continued to spend his life on public duty.
His family said he was always ready to help.
And now, the man who spent his life answering the call when others needed him will never answer another call again.
His life was far too short.
But it was, as one former colleague said, a life lived to the full.
Thank you, PC Tom Clough, for every year you served, every person you helped, and every sacrifice you made in the service of others.
Rest in peace, Tom. You were your family's hero, and you will be remembered with immense gratitude and respect. 💙🇬🇧
