The Civil Nuclear Constabulary was extremely saddened to hear of the deaths of PC Tom Clough, PC Matthew Blades, and five members of the public following a road traffic collision in Middlesborough on Saturday.
PC Tom Clough was a former CNC officer, having joined the Civil Nuclear Constabulary in 2013 and served until April 2018 as an Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) based at Sellafield Operational Policing Unit.
During his service with the CNC, he spent time as a Temporary Sergeant, and trained as a Dynamic Search officer, a member of the Interdiction Team, a Police Medic and an Operational Firearms Commander.
Chief Constable Simon Chesterman said “I would like to express my condolences on behalf of all members of the CNC towards the families of all those involved in this tragic incident.
“We also recognise the impact this will have on those who served alongside both officers in Cleveland Police. Your wider police family has you in their thoughts and prayers. Tom had previously served with the CNC, and we know his loss and that of PC Matthew Blades will be felt across the whole policing community.”
Chief Superintendent Richard Clark, who was Tom’s commanding office at Sellafield OPU, paid tribute to him:
“I had the privilege of knowing Tom during my time as Chief Inspector at Sellafield, where we worked together on numerous operational deployments and exercises. Tom was the epitome of professionalism, bringing dedication, skill and commitment to every task, whether serving within our Dynamic Search and Interdiction Team, or in his role as a Police Medic.
“Yet what made Tom truly special was his personality. Alongside his professional excellence, he possessed a fun-loving, cheeky nature and a wit that could lift spirits even during the most demanding shifts. He had an extraordinary ability to light up any room he entered and to bring people together through his warmth, humour and authenticity. Tom was a hugely popular CNC officer, respected by colleagues and leaders alike, and it is no surprise that many of those who served alongside him remained close friends long after he left the organisation. While his life was far too short, it was undoubtedly one that was lived to the full. Tom will be remembered with immense affection, gratitude and respect, and he will be hugely missed by all who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”