One of the seven men killed in a “devastating” car crash near Middlesbrough on Saturday had previously shared videos of himself joyriding on social media.
Jakub Matusiak, 23, had been in a vehicle that struck a police car after it was driving the wrong way down the A66 in South Bank in the early hours of the morning.
Police had been following a Volkswagen Passat that was acting “suspiciously”, but aborted the pursuit just 10 seconds before it struck a Cleveland Police armed response vehicle.
PC Tom Clough, 38, and Matthew Blades, 37, were among the victims, along with five teenagers and young men.
Mr Matusiak had previously shared footage on his social media showing him driving recklessly in cars and motorcycles. One video, which has now been deleted, appears to show him behind the wheel of a car barreling through a neighbourhood and across an estate.
The five young men who were driving on the wrong side of the road have been named as Makai Saddington, 18, Michael Robert Cahill, 23, Theo Rae, 17, Cole Robert Worthy, 17, and Mr Matusiak.
Matt Storey, the Cleveland police and crime commissioner, has at the same time condemned an “absolutely idiotic” social media trend showing people driving the wrong way down roads.
It is not yet clear whether the men were following the trend, but police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into the collision following a mandatory referral from Cleveland Police.
The government has told TikTok and other social media platformsto remove content featuring the trend.
Mr Storey told Radio 4’s Today programme: “Without being able to say whether that was anything like involved in this case, it’s absolutely idiotic for anybody to be doing anything other than being completely 100 per cent focused on the road when they’re behind the wheel of a vehicle.”
Prime minister Andy Burnham said he was “devastated” to hear of the deaths of the officers and young men.
A tribute from PC Clough’s family described him as “hero with a fantastic sense of humour”, adding he “jumped into action whenever needed, and [was] willing to help anyone for any reason. Proudly fought for his country to make the world a better place. Always on public duty throughout his short life.”
PC Blades’ wife said he was a “devoted” father and her “best friend”.
“He was an adored son and brother, a perfect son-in-law, and the most fun uncle,” she said. “He was loved beyond words by all his family and friends, and his loss has left a space that can never be filled.”
Mr Saddington’s aunt, Sharon Morgan, said she had lost her “beloved nephew”, adding: “There are no words that can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, so loved, and so full of life.”
Kelly Cahill paid tribute to her son, Mr Cahill, saying: “Fly high my boy forever 23 go and be at peace with ya dad keep me a place up there till we meet again [sic].”
