Schools in Middlesbrough to close early for A66 crash funeral

Several schools in Middlesbrough will close early due to anticipated “transport disruption” as a funeral for one of the young men killed in a head-on crash on the A66 takes place.The fatal collision happened on August 22 when a Volkswagen Passat, that had been pursued by police, was driven the wrong way along the dual-carriageway and hit a marked armed response vehicle.The crash killed Pc Matthew Blades, 37, and Pc Tom Clough, 38.Jakub Matusiak, 23; Cole Worthy, 17; Theo Rae, 17; Makai Saddington, 18; and Michael Cahill, 23, were also pronounced dead at the scene.The funeral service on Friday is understood to be taking place for Mr Matusiak, also known as Jacob, who was travelling in the Volkswagen.Four schools are due to shut their doors at lunchtime in a decision which has been condemned