The family of Hartlepool policeman Matthew Blades have issued a heartfelt thanks to “every single person” who has supported them following his tragic death.

PC Blades, who was 37, died together with Cleveland Police colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, when their police vehicle was hit by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way on the A66, near Middlesbrough, in the early hours of August 22.

The dad-of-two’s grieving family say the kindness and love they have received from emergency services and the wider community “has meant more to us than words can express”.

Hundreds of police officers attended PC Blades’ funeral at St Joseph’s Church, in Hutton Avenue, Hartlepool, on September 9.

Many members of the public also lined the streets in tribute and applauded as the hearse passed through the town.

PC Blades’ family have now issued a statement thanking every one who has shown their support.

They said: “As a family, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every single person who has supported us following the devastating loss of Matt.

“The kindness love and support we have received from our community, friends, the emergency services, the police family, colleagues and so many people we may never even met has meant more to us than words can express.

Bagpipers lead the funeral cortege through the streets of Hartlepool. Photo: PA

“The day of Matt’s funeral was incredibly difficult, but seeing the overwhelming respect and support shown for him, and for all of us a family, will stay with us forever.

“The powerful presence of so many people, the tributes, the silence, the claps, the uniforms, the blue lights and every gesture of respect shows just how much Matt meant to so many.

"To everyone who stood along the route, attended the funeral, sent messages, brought flowers, checked in on us, or simply kept us in your thoughts – thank you.

"To our police family and all the emergency services who stood behind us, both professionally and personally, we will never forget the strength and compassion you have shown.”

Matt’s family added: “We are taking each day as it comes, but knowing we are surrounded by so much love and support has helped carry us through the darkest of days.

“Matt will always be loved, always be remembered, and will never be forgotten.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”